More boat watching

Last Sunday I took out the DeckHardware RIB, Cadence to watch some  from a spectator  point of view. I was joined by Clare my regular timekeeper when working as a race officer and her husband Ian; then later we also picked up Melissa.

It was a totally different view not having to constantly monitor the conditions to keep the ‘customers’ happy, but good to be out on the harbour on a typical Sydney summers day with a great  NorEaster.  Putting the RIB in at Roseville west of the Spit was a new experience for them as the area wasn’t familiar for them. Pointing out to Clare where we were and the local points of interest, before heading under the bridge and out into more familiar waters for them. 

The Farr40s were having their November regatta run by the CYCA and the inshore courses further down the harbour made for different tactics, especially when the  course is on the same  bit of water as both the 12′ and 18′ skiffs. The racing was dominated by Bluetack, a new comer to the class  owned by Patrick Delaney and Brent Lawson a pair of former Adams10 sailors. They had the services of Tom Slingsby as tactician and Alby Pratt from North Sails help them up to speed in their first regatta, which they certainly were. Second overall and keeping them honest was the Victorian boat Nutcracker, helmed this weekend by James Wilmot. Two other race winners were Edake and Zen in what was a close points tally for the minors.

At the same time we went over and watched the 18’s before their start just to windward of the Farr40 line. Running my racing up the harbour where it’s reasonably open, having fleets crossing over like this is not one of my normal experiences, but one that often happens down the harbour.  It was good to talk tactics with Ian who usually sails a Laser on these waters.

The boat ramp and carpark was absolutely full, so we headed in early to avoid some of the crush. timing it perfectly to come out of the water. As I walked to the car and trailer, the packing up area was jam packed, however when I drove up, some 8-10 cars and trailers had all left.

Another weekend done and a day out on the water. Next up for me is the trip down to Jindabyne for the Snowy Mountains regatta. I’ll be the Principal Race Officer for the Bi-Annual regatta which incorporates many classes from Catamarans, dinghies of all sizes and a fleet of trailer  yachts.  Always a great event and freshwater too.