The Yachtsman 2016-2017 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 47

MC38
L
eslie Green and his Ginger crew pulled
off the ultimate class feat when they sailed
to a fourth successive MC38 Australian
Championship on Pittwater on Sunday
February 19, 2017.
A fickle last day closed up the final point score. Ginger
(CYCA) laid the foundations in the first two days and
went out to race defensively, putting a target on Dark
Star’s (RPAYC) back, and Neville Crichton’s Maserati
(RNZYS/CYCA) crew cleverly read what breeze there
was to move into second overall.
The day opened with a patchy 5-7 knot sou’west wind
for race eight and finished with a second race, on the
Mackerel Beach to Stokes Point course in a light ESEer up
to 8kts with a mid-section full of holes. A weather system
to the north-west did Pittwater sailors no favours and
forced a postponement between races as the committee
monitored the radar for thunderstorm activity.
“It was a hard day today. We had to cover Dark Star
and that can lead you into trouble,” Green said. “All
the boys are so good. The reason we win is we have an
excellent team. I loved every minute of it and I’ll be back
next year,” the smiling skipper promised.
As the newest crew member, strategist Julian Plante
commented that the guys on the Ginger team are
inspired by Leslie’s attitude and the effort he puts in.
“The inspiration pushes everyone to do their best and
find a little extra. Leslie sets a nice tone and the team
want for nothing. Joining them was a no-brainer for me.
They’ve been a successful team for so long.”
Cameron Miles, tactician on Dark Star, rued yet
another final series day when their good fortune ran out,
similar to the final day and race of the 2016 Australian
Championship. “The last day seems to not be our day.
RPAYC HOSTS MC38 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
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