Sailing Backward at the Vaucluse Regatta

It was a trying day on the water last Saturday at the Vaucluse Regatta. The day was looking promising. A decent N/NE breeze was building and the forecast thunderstorms looked like they would say away. But as race time approached it was clear our luck wouldn’t last; storms were building in all directions. On top of that, a strong outgoing tide and a short starting line forced 5 general recalls and a few postponements. By the time the first race started, it was clear the wind was dying, and before the end of the race the wind completely stopped. Much of the fleet began moving backward with the tide as we struggled to reach the finish line. Nick Pellow posted Brett Beyer’s GPS annimation of the final moments of the race on the Top Mark. It’s both painful and hilarious to watch. Steven Bradbury eat your heart out.   

Luckily, soon after the finish, a squall came though from the NW, providing an exhilarating reach all the way back to Double Bay. Hopefully mother nature will provide better conditions for this week’s sailing. 

Pat Levy enjoys a quick ride home. Photo by Clare Alexander.