RACE REPORT Saturday 3 February 2024

Local Photographer: Tim Stuparich

Autumn Point Score Series: Races 5 & 6 Recap

by PRO, Kirk Marcolina

The Double Bay Sailing Club's Autumn Point Score series continued with its fifth and sixth races under exceptional conditions, marking another memorable weekend of sailing. The afternoon started promisingly with a gentle 12-knot northeast breeze, ideal for a smooth sail. However, the wind had its own agenda, escalating to over 20 knots by the second race. This sudden increase led to a few memorable capsizes, providing a stern test of skill and a quick dip for some.

Credit goes to COTD John Vasey for his early start. John initially helped lay out a perfect course. However, the best-laid plans of sailors and race committees often go awry, as evidenced when the Etchells fleet placed their start line inconveniently close to our top mark. Cue the rapid response team: John, alongside CoCOTD Otto Henry and RIB Reserve Ben Byford, who probably set a new speed record for course adjustment. Thanks to them, we managed a 2 pm start on a slightly shorter course.

For race 6, with the Etchells fleet having moved on, the race committee took the opportunity to extend the course back to its planned glory, much to the satisfaction of all sailors involved.

Despite the day's unpredictable elements, our sailors showed exceptional skill, particularly the handicapped winners of both races:

Race 5 Winners:
ILCA 4: Charlotte Jenkins.
ILCA 6: Scott Hunter
ILCA 7: Geoffrey Boscoe

Race 6 Winners:
ILCA 4: Charlotte Jenkins again, showcasing her consistency and skill.
ILCA 6: Cormac Johnston
ILCA 7: Connor Kellett

A round of applause for John Vasey, Otto Henry, Ben Byford, and the entire team of volunteers who managed the day's curveballs with professionalism and a calm demeanour.

Photos by Craig Ryan and Kirk Marcolina:

Photos below by Tim Stuparich a local photographer that was on the water saturday (Here is a web link to his other work)