Sunday 12/12/2021 Winter Series 11/12
Published 18:58 on 13 Dec 2021
Race Officer: George Schlich/Gareth Luker.
Patrol Boat: Phil Guimaraens/Roger Finalson.
Tractor: Mike Coady.
S/W f3-4. Waves: big.
In the penultimate day of series racing for 2021, a handful of boats ventured out into the mild but wavy and breezy conditions for what turned out to be quite eventful racing.
The classic upwind/downwind course was laid, with a profusion of lobster pots helping to guide us or get in the way depending on taste. The start of r1 was non-controversial, with single-handed Palmer sailing in full-on 'let nothing nasty happen' mode and consequently able to see the other three d18's accelerate away amongst the stonking waves. Tacking early, Debs/Barry were tactically right on it, going out to sea, eschewing the course into shallows and breaking waves, and showing signs of complete domination of the race if not the whole day, others quaking before them. At the very least they were nailed on to get to the windward mark 'miles' in the lead. And then it was noticeable how very 'in the water' Barry was, and, what's that with the mast, should it be at a jaunty angle?, ah it's falling down. In post-match interviews his utter conviction that, at the very least, they would have beaten Rob/Fi to the first mark was impressive, and in fact extensively quoted earlier in this paragraph. But it was not to be; a shredded forestay was the culprit.
After a first lap when Rob/Fi got their customary "easier to see them coming up behind than how far in front are they" lead, Gilbert/Bob distinguished themselves by keeping their distance behind them and not losing ground further. It was a little dicey going on the inshore route upwind, a few scraped and popped-up rudders the result, but I'm not sure if the advantage in doing so was noticeable. Certainly you had to pick your moment to tack, with nice surfing waves not being helpful in that manoeuvre and the knack of doing so jibless certainly eluding the singlehanded sailor.
In truth although they were big, the waves were fairly forgiving and a little misleading given that their size would normally come with much higher winds. Phil/Roger, who seemed to be having great fun/a miserable-time-bouncing-up-and-down-in-the-front-of-the-rescue-boat-telling-Phil-to-effing-slow-down, respectively, reported that the D18s were getting lots of 'air' but they are very hip with the jargon.
It was very disconcerting to see Rob/Fi take their main down after R1 and retire instantly I thought that r2 must have been called off, but not a bit of it. Evidently their boat was making funny noises so they erred on the side of caution
So, down to two boats and it really was no competition with Gilbert/Bob powering away to a stunning victory.
And now, one Sunday's sailing remains (excepting the Boxing Day trophy race) and in the Winter series 2nd / 3rd is up for grabs between Debs/Barry, Gilbert/Bob, and Mr P., and technically if Rob/Fi find themselves unable to make it, the series victory would be decided then too. And the forecast is looking pretty good so get yourselves alongthe sea really isn't that cold, and it would be nice to see more than a smattering grace the azure waters.