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.
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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.....
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. .... 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....
Having arrived home from sailing with wine in hand for the 3rd week in a row, the wife now believes I stop at the bottle shop on my way home. That was until I crawled from the lounge to get the Panadols, prior to cracking the lid of the wine AOE had won today........
I read the news during the week and found headlines on various days that read, "lost dogs looking for chains". Then "oysters looking for rocks", "beaches trying to find sand", and the last head line was "what is Huey going to send us on Saturday"! Who cares! The AOE crew is prepared. We are a well oiled machine! We accept what ever is given to us. After an early arrival at PRSC I find a pie oven and warm pies!!! Jim the innovator has acquired a pie oven and has put pies on for the teams prior too and after sailing. Many thanks Jim.
The winter blues are gone, the sounds of spring are in the air along with the wattle. The PRSC sailing season is about to begin. After a winter of maintenance, the Axis of Evil has never been in finer shape to take on the competition competing on the mighty Parramatta River.
Although the day had dawned with some lovely patches of blue sky, the cloud cover increased as the start time approached. Wet weather gear was brought along in the hope that it would appease the rain gods and make the rain stay away....
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