Big Boat Brethren Broadcast

September 7

This was the first the Spring series, 2014. Three boats presented on a sparkling afternoon. 

We sailed in a light sou-soueasterly which tried the skills of and frustrated some. Time & Tide won the first leg, to a Club mark off Point Piper. But better spinnaker work on Corinna and Capricorn left us behind and we ran down to the  bottom mark at the Sow'n Pigs reef.

Capricorn revelled in the light conditions, and led through the upwind leg to Shark Island, by a small margin from Corinna.

The last leg was a shy reach and Capricorn held the lead in dying winds, until Corinna - in mild desperation - launched a kite successfully, to cross the line a few seconds ahead.

T&T paid the price of being behind in fading winds, and was a long third

Places:
1. Corinna
2. Capricorn
3. Time & Tide

September 28
This was an informal, 'extra' race - on a lovely, sunny day, with a strong (15-25 knot) sea breeze.

Umbakumba gave us a lesson on how to win with reduced sail. She used a #3 genoa and a big reef in the main, and led all the way around, beating Corinna by 8 seconds.

It was a fine race; Chris tried separation and trimming and more trimming. With a full main he hoped for better speed downwind, but Umbakumba changed headsails, put up her #2 downwind and won by 8 seconds.

T&T sailed with a #2 genoa and a full main, but was overpowered; and two gear failures left us 8 minutes behind.

But we all enjoyed the strong, steady winds, and the gear failures will be quickly repaired.

Congratulations to Gerry and crew (Mike and Bryan) for a well-judged piece of sailing

Places
1. Umbakumb
2. Corinna
3. Time & Tide

We sail next on October 12 (which is the start of the 18s season too).

J