Race Report

It was a big day of racing last Saturday, with Club Champs and Autumn Pointscore on tap. Nearly 40 sailors competed in a shifty Double Bay Southerly, which moved progressively left throughout the afternoon.  The on-water team did a great job juggling course set up to keep us racing on fair courses as the wind shifted. 

Volunteers on the weekend were Mike Forbes (PRO) with Dave Newman, Isabelle Wilkins and Isabelle's grandfather's partner, Linda World, on the Jazzman. And Sara Brooks, Tim Heath and Campbell Patton's friend, Alex, on one RIB and Craig Sheers and Clare Alexander on another RIB.  A big shout out to Clare who has been much missed on the water at DBSC recently! It was a pleasure to have her back. It was also great to see Craig Sheers, also not seen much these days due to injury.

Heading up the canteen were Paul and Shirley, assisted by Matt Knight, Hugo Knight, Ian Alexander and Clare Alexander. So many people that the toasties have never tasted better!

We were delighted to have two visitors sail with us on Saturday.

Emily Keg, an Australian who has been living in Hong Kong and has recently moved to attend Sydney University.  She has had a lot of experience in both laser and 470, including strong finishes at several youth world championships.

Keith Wilkins, father of Jason Wilkins and grandfather of Isabelle Wilkins, who is an equal all-time record-holding 13-times laser world champion (currently tied in that position with Brett Beyer).  He is here for the Nationals and the Worlds, and sailed with us on the weekend.  Unfortunately, his mast broke just after the start in the first race, putting him out of action.

The results were: Championship – Standards: Campbell Patton (Championship Heat 11) and Luke Parker (Championship Heat 12); Radials: Matt Wenke (Championship Heat 11) and James Tudball (Championship Heat 12).  Pointscore (after handicap): Standards: Rod Barnes (Pointscore Heat 7) and Andrew Simpson (Pointscore Heat 8); Radial / 4.7s: Nathan Deng (Pointscore Heat 7) and Andrew Cox (Pointscore Heat 8). In the first race, there was a photo finish between three radials, which after much debate and several viewings in slow motion replay of the finish video taken by Isabelle Wilkins, resulted in the third umpire declaring the finishing order to be Matt Wenke, Gavin Blake and Andrew Cox. Exciting stuff!

Iconic Racing on Sydney Harbour. Photo by Sara Brooks