The Yachtsman 2017-2018 The Yachtsman 2017-2018 | Page 13

C L U B YA C H T I N G
OFFSHORE FLEET
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W
Marcus Grimes and Mark Griffith
e had some very strong growth in both offshore fleets,
and were blessed with fresh sea breezes most weekends
ensuring a fantastic season of very competitive offshore
racing! On behalf of the fleet, I would like to pass on an
emphatic thank you to the volunteers and Club officials,
along with Brendan and his sailing office team that enable us to get out
there and race.
It was great to welcome the skippers and crews of new boats Firefly,
Jazzamatazz, Pekljus and Showtime. Some of the teams are new to offshore
racing and others long-time campaigners in new boats, who all are now
familiar colours on the horizon to the beach goers and residents of the
beautiful Northern Beaches and Central Coast.
Racing this year was close and reflected at the prize giving. In the Short
Ocean Pointscore, bragging rights and silverware went to the Conspiracy
crew, rewarded with 1st place on PHS and 3rd on IRC with very consistent
performances throughout the year, while Mark Griffith and the Showtime
team took home first place double for both IRC and ORCi. On behalf
of the fleet a big congratulations to the skippers and crews on both boats,
and a special mention to Ray Hudson and his team on XS Moment who
placed 2nd PHS and 3rd IRC, along with the other SOPS place getters
Pretty Woman (2nd ORCi), Windy Too (2nd IRC) and my team on High
Anxiety (3rd PHS).
In the Blue Water Pointscore we tried out a couple of new races formats,
including going south to Port Hacking replacing Cabbage Tree Island and
of course our signature Bluewater race heading to Southport instead of
Coffs for the first time. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, as it was for
Mandy and her F&B team leaving out sandwiches, hot food and beer for
the races that finished late back at the club. I know it was much appreciated
by weary crews and great opportunity for the teams to tell a few tall stories
and question each other’s tactics.
Results in the Blue Water Pointscore were very close and first place on
PHS went to David Suttie and his team on Pekljus who got faster every
race and amassed consecutive top three finishes. In IRC and ORCi Mark
Waterhouse and Mark Tinworth proved youth and experience is a dynamic
combination as they powered Le Billet to first on IRC and first on ORCi to
go with their 2nd on PHS.
The two Mark’s have been working with Rachel Bower along with
participants and recent graduates of the RPAYC Youth Development
Program as a pathway into offshore sailing. It’s a great initiative and it
is clearly working for them. Congratulations to the skippers and crews
of Pekljus and Le Billet along with the other boats sharing the podium
Occasional Course Language (3rd PHS, 2nd IRC and 3rd ORCi) and
Sticky (3rd IRC, 2nd ORCI).
Mark and I are looking forward to building on the growth in the
offshore fleet this year and encourage anyone considering the relatively
simple step up to Category 4 to race SOPS, or maybe thinking about
getting Cat 2 ready for the Pittwater to Southport to get in touch with us
as your offshore fleet reps or the sailing office as there are a number of
friendly and motivated people keen to help and see you on the starting line.
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YA C H T S M A N R PAY C
C L U B YA C H T I N G
W E D N E S D AY & T H U R S D AY
RACING
T
he new sailing season saw more races added to the
Wednesday program, with multiples Series run throughout
the year comprising of Spring, Summer, Autumn and
Winter.
Competition over the four divisions was as always very
close and competitive with some courses adjusted following members
feedback including rounding mark directions. We had an average of
40 boats competing each week in this fun, Non-Spinnaker, around the
cans afternoon racing.
This season an additional method of handicapping was introduced
which was ORC Club. ORC Club is a simple rating system that was
integrated as an additional scoring category across club racing. ORC
Club is a fixed handicap and is based on self-measurements.
The added bonus of good racing is the free sausage sandwich after
the race, cooked by the rostered yacht crews throughout winter and
summer. Always a good way to re-sail the race and spin yarns socially
back in the bar.
All members are invited to race on Wednesdays, no excuses not to
enjoy competitive and social racing almost all year round. (50 weeks
of the year).
Thursday Twilight Racing Report
Supported by Wild Oats and Lejen Marine the Thursday Twilight
Series runs through Spring and Summer making use of the lasting
daylight for a fun and friendly round the can courses.
Great for newcomers and racers alike this series is one not to be
missed – with an option to use a Spinnakers if you chose.
Not only racing for glory, competitors are racing for a bottle of
Wild Oats wine as well as the participation prize, with an entry going
into the barrel for each time the boat raced. The more races attended
meant more chances of winning club prizes.
The winner of the Stand Up Paddle board kindly donated by
Lejen Marine this season was an ecstatic Paul Norrie from ‘Marola’.
Brian Ellis
R PAY C YA C H T S M A N
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