RACE REPORT 27 January 2024

PRO Geoff Boscoe reports:

Saturday’s on-water crew arrived at the club looking forward to hosting Australia Day Long weekend sprints in the forecasted moderate north-eastery breeze. However, Ma Nature was slow to get the message and it remained completely calm at the time of the 1pm briefing. That was embarrassing, especially since we were hoping to impress a contingent of Worlds Masters competitors who were joining us from all points of the globe expecting champagne sailing on Sydney harbour. Nevertheless, there was no option but to hoist the AP flag, settle in at the clubhouse with a world famous toasted sandwich and remain optimistic.

Fortunately, the patience of around 20 sailors was rewarded just before 2pm when light ENE breeze kicked in and we were able to get the first sprint race underway shortly after 2.30pm. The light but building breeze remained very shifty throughout the afternoon which meant for testing sailing conditions. The wind direction swung constantly through NE to ESE creating arguably even more testing conditions for the race officials who were continually chasing the breeze. Thanks to all the members of the race team (especially Roberto Blum and Brendan Pollard) for a great effort under challenging conditions.

There were four short format races each of about 20 mins and all were very keenly contested. Congratulations to Cormac Johnston who enjoyed multiple victories. The other honours were shared widely.

Photos by Roberto Blum