This race was abandoned due to wind gusts exceeding 35 knots (part of the club hazardous weather policy), however Barry from AOE and Rob from RGT give their accounts below:
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Having sailed at PRSC for 30 plus years, I have been one who has always played by the rules of sailing. These rules are written in the little blue book, and then there are the "Whitsunday's rules". These were developed in close consultation with a number of very wise men, and involved late nights and sunny days of passionate discussion, always involving natures sweet nectar. In days gone by Sumo and Peanuts sailed the Adams 10 "Not So Squeezy" 2 up, setting spinnakers and observing the Whitsundays Hydration Rules, so I ask what gives my skipper Speedo the right to not observe the Whitsunday rules and only allow only one beer during the race on Saturday, gee it's only a race. And the big boys are such bullies of us in the little boat.
The first nor’easter of the Saturday season arrived and there was a spring in everyone’s step when we got to the bay and saw the breeze funnelling down under the Gladesville Bridge. Low tide was 3.23pm so not a big deal for the race except keep an eye on the depth sounder. The breeze held for most of the race at 15-18 knots average and 20-25 knots in the gusts, some of which were mongrels.
For the Div1 Spring Series Race 6 (and final in the series) the wind was 10-17knots, SE course, tide going out till 3:15pm.
In weather you wouldn’t put your cat outside in, the coldest November weekend for 16 years, the usual (but less 2 boats) suspects lined up – us in RGT, SF after a very late exit off their mooring to just make the start, AOE and BT. LOEG is one week away from returning so that’s good, and NL is hopefully back soon. Thankfully the (light) rain stopped just before the start but started again right on the finish. The temperature remained constant all day at shivering. Saturday had arrived again with the forecast of a nice 8 to 12 kt sea breeze building slightly in the afternoon. Our regular starter Anne was back on deck so normal broadcasting was restored. The vacationers were still nowhere to be seen, which left us with five starters in div 1. Next Light, who is a regular in our twilight series, made a most welcomed appearance.......
The rain had finally arrived on the Friday with all being grateful that the gardens and grass would receive a decent soaking. Saturday’s forecast looked a bit dodgy with a chance of some intermittent showers and the breeze from the south. Saturday also had the Abbottsford 12 Ft sailing squadron hosting the 1st heat of the cherub state titles with an expected fleet of 30 boats buzzing up and down the river.....
It was a nice sunny afternoon for a Long harbour race. We were out late from the mooring as we were missing a crew member, missing our usual pre race cruise, so we headed over to Sydney rowers to say hello to our skipper on the balcony celebrating early her birthday......
Firstly I want to say, how good was that dinner put on by Still Festering after the first Long Course race of the session. Standing Pork Rib Roast sliced into succulent pork chops with gravy & apple sauce, perfect jacket spuds, juicy corn on the cob and a selection of salads lovely & fresh. Topped off with ice cream for dessert. Wonderful!
Anyway what am I supposed to talking about? Ah yes, the race. .... It was a warm sunny Saturday and all were ready for some reasonable winds predicted between 10-20 knots . We waited till 10 minutes prior to start to make a call on the right Headsail for the race ( bit earlier than last week ) and skipper said we need the No 1 headsail. The breeze was lighter than expected only around 10 knots . Anne decides a West course for the day . All boats gathering round the clubhouse for race start .......
For the 3rd race of the six in the series it was Last Tango in Paris crunch time for all boats except AOE who snared the wins in the prior two, as well as the Special Trophies 1st heat – top sailing right there to them. SF were onto it also with a stacked crew of 6 looking more than menacing before the start, whilst AOE casually loitered around with aplomb, Bush Telegraph (BT) came into the frame with obvious serious intent and RSGT despite being short crewed with 3 plotted the required change of fortune....
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