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.
As the ferrying of crews occurs the breeze is showing signs of dying, so the challenge of where we go today will be Peter and Carmel's dilemma. As we float about the start line, the flags are risen to tell all we are doing the alternative harbour course, the starters are not prepared for us to be left down the harbour if the fickle breeze dies.
Division 3 are off, Farrago, Xena, Snowgooze & A Fine Balance all contest the line, but wait A fine Balance must be stepping up to Division 1 as no attempt at a start is shown at start time! We fine out at presentation time, that Jonathan had a bit too much gossip to be caught up on, as Jonathan had not sailed for while and missed the signals.
With 5 minutes go division 1 prepare for their start, Genoas and Jibs are hoisted, as the correct sail selection today will make the difference between winners and losers, with the fickle breeze. After much deliberation we chose the big Jib today, we will need all the help we can muster. The girls on LOEG have stacked their crew with George the professional, plus they hoist the Super genoa. Lots of work for the crew today.
Still festering, Resurgent, and Bush Telegraph all throw up plenty of sail. All of these boats have plenty of crew on board,
Many hands make for light work, how nice it would be to have an extra pair of hands on the AOE.
The clock ticks down, the flag drops and LOEG are off at the rowers, like a gun shot! Where did they see that breeze line? We start in the the middle of the river with nice breeze followed by the mob, a couple of quick tacks and the barrel chested men are in front at Searls, the race now can continue :).
Within seconds of Passing Searls LOEG retake the lead and build a commanding position. Both Still Festering and Resurgent, work on knocking the poor little AOE back to 4th position.
As we approach Goat Island, SF take the lead, with Resurgent, and LOEG rounding in front of AOE. Patto, in Bush Telegraph is chasing us.
Spinnakers are set and the chase in on, as we approach Long Nose point, we come upon both SF and Resurgent becalmed, it is such a shame when this happens to your friends! It does not take long and both are off and we are chasing them again.
Have I mentioned the "sand baggers" on LOEG not trying and just sailing with that big headsail? Well they are bringing up the rear of the pack closely followed by a boat with a beautiful pink spinnaker! What has Patto brought? Surely the kite is one he has borrowed from Xena WP!!!.
The tall masts of SF and Resurgent can not be challenged, LOEG believe they might have a chance of a place and try hoisting a spinnaker in the later stages of the race, but a little effort a little late boys!
Back at the club all the pies are gone and more are wanted, well done and thanks Jim. To all in Division 1 thank you for a great race. Let wait to see what we are given next week.
Scribe AOE
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