Big Boat Report
Webmaster
Written by: Stephen Quain
Despite a heavy smoke haze and no wind around lunchtime, we decided to race with a predicted 15-knot SE breeze and a flat sea - and so it was.
Time and Tide did not make it from Balmain, and a late withdrawal was Chris due to Corinna springing a leak on the mooring-so he spent the afternoon bailing her out-hopefully being able to rectify the leak.
Peter Collie started us as arranged: 4 boats in line with Sanity slightly late but not for long.
The first reach was slow for about 10 minutes, but the breeze came in, which Sanity and Pleasure 2 made the most of, to round the Point Piper mark 1st and 2nd followed by Chenonceau jousting with Rockhopper, and Smitten not far behind.
Welcome back Mike after a long absence, despite the appearance of her sails, Rockhopper sailed very well in the conditions. We had a near square run across the harbour.
From Taylors Bay to the S&P mark was one long reach-very enjoyable.
For the most part we also had a tight reach back to Shark Island with just 2 tacks to make the mark and another reach home with varying winds and direction.
Positions over the line:
Sanity (at 3.09)
Pleasure 2 (about 3.12)
Chenonceau (at 3.15)
Rockhopper (est. 3.20)
Smitten (est. 3.25)
As usual some of us retuned to the club deck and a shared a drink watching the 18s return with several new boats in their fleet.
A much better afternoon than expected, thanks to all.
A calm start to the Big Boat Race. Photo by Peter Collie.