Race report 22 May 2022

Photo: Bow Caddy Media

Our LTRAR on the day, Richard George, reports:

Despite some political partying the night before around 30 boats took to the water for races 7 and 8 of the winter series. Taking its cue from the political events of the previous day the wind swung ninety degrees during the morning, but at least there was a breeze unlike the previous week. 

The necessary course changes were affected most efficiently by Ian Alexander as PRO and Rob Vann CTOD and his able assistant Ben (Charlie’s dad from the Alfred’s at Pittwater).

There were a few especially memorable moments during the morning, a couple of which are pictured below.

We admire ambition at DBSC, and calling “starboard” on this TP52 was certainly ambitious!
Photo: Richard George

Interestingly the DBSC start line was directly upwind of the start of a TP52 regatta and it appeared that the starters’ minds in both races were in sync as the two classes headed up the harbour in a westerly breeze together.  Fortunately, the TP52 made it across.  A delay of 30 seconds would have been more interesting, a calculation that had not escaped the DBSC starter’s mind as he groped for the AP flag.

 In the radials it was a day that featured the girls, more in pink than teal.  The picture below was from race three in the radials where the distance separating Cote’ and Sylvie was never more than a couple of boat lengths the whole race.

Martin White and Andrew Cox are just out of the frame – j u s t!
Photo: Richard George

Finally, it’s always important to remember just how far you have travelled in a race, especially when you are in front or are on the starters boat.  Geoff Kirk rounded the bottom mark and headed back up wind on starboard in a strong position, possibly leading.  Shortly after he tacked and headed for the starters boat crossing the finishing line and easing sheet.  After considerable soul searching by the starters, it was realised Geoff had a problem – there was another lap to go.  To his credit he finished third.  This LTRAR trainee now writes the number buoys the boats have rounded during the race in progress. 

Next Sunday looks the pick of the week.  Seabreeze forecasting around 15 knots from the west.  Enjoy!

Full results for both series are available on our website.

And a big thanks also to Paul Adam, who made a delicious soup, which warmed everyone up after a cold morning in the rain.