KEELBOAT RACING

An interesting variety of races is provided for keelboats through the ocean, consistency and north coast short courses however it is not all about the sailing. Whether it’s designed to attract more sailors or to get people’s attention the regular pre-race briefing by Captain Tim Tucker has been a great source of entertainment worthy of attending even if not sailing. In addition changes have been made to courses and starting sequence keeping skippers and crews on their toes. Above all the keelboat fraternity enjoys the social interaction whether it is the post-race presentations (more humour from the Captain) or a quiz night or dancing to the beat of Gary Osborne’s band.

In December we welcomed back Mark Pitt with Mulberry sporting a new rig and in January Bill Gilbert joined division one with Jack Tar, both sorely needed for the smaller fleet. Bad Habits (2), Sophia and Circa each had a win but were hotly pressed by Whispering Jack, Adams Rib and Perle. Helga (2), Farrouk and Covert Operation were winners in division two whilst in division three Resolute and Stelfred had two wins each. There was tremendous support for the Chris Grant Memorial race with Sandy on hand to present the trophies, thanks to everyone for wearing their colourful Hawaiian shirt.

In an innovative change all three divisions sailed the same course with division three sent off first in the hope they would be back before sunset followed by division two then one five minutes apart. Although Surfer Rosa was fastest in division one Whispering Jack wasn’t far behind and was first on handicap with Jack Tar second in his first race back in division one. Blue Chip had a narrow win over Farrouk who was fastest in division two. In division three Stelfred lifted the trophy with an eleven second win over Resolute. Mimosa was fastest.

Dwindling numbers have still produced some exciting racing on the short windward/ leeward courses. Well done to Sophia, Perle, Covert Operation, Blue Chip, Volant, Farrouk, Show Me, Jack Tar, Intuition and Resolute for participating. Whilst results count for their Club’s championship perhaps an evaluation of the type of race, location and inter-club competition is needed at season end to better meet the needs of sailors.

In addition to the five yachts in division two who have an ORC rating Whispering Jack and Sophia in division one now have one. Of interest was the Fairway race where all boats sailed the same course giving a comparison between divisions, although they didn’t start at the same time. On that basis it would have been Whispering Jack followed by Jack Tar, Volant, Show Me and Farrouk. Covert Operation missed that race but has been first on four occasions on ORC.

The 2022 Cockburn Sound Regatta had everything from 3 knot drifters to 25 kt touch ups. Effective use of AP saw all races sailed, including a short passage for the JAM fleets, and a “round the house” course to finish with. Congratulations to Deckchairs Overboard for their 3x 1st and 2x 2nd to claim First in JAM 1. In JAM 2, Farrouk opened with a first place, and later an equal 3rd, finishing fifth overall, ahead of Not Negotiable with a couple of 3rds. Blue Chip scored a 1, 2 and a 3 to claim 4th spot in JAM 3. At the bottom end of JAM 3, Show Me collected a pair of 3rds, and Pinta, a second.

A ten knot nor-westerly provided excellent sailing conditions for the race which saw Elissa Graham on Whispering Jack, Alicia Tucker on Show Me and Kylie McCullough on Catabatic winners in their respective divisions. Some regular skippers may be struggling to get the helm back if the crew have anything to do with it.