The Yachtsman 2017-2018 The Yachtsman 2017-2018 | Page 16

C L U B YA C H T I N G
the race, and unlike last year where we blew up both kites, we
had no breakages this year, so well-done crew - Frank, Bob,
Beth, Bridget, Max and Woz, Michael.”
The inaugural State of Origin Trophy, awarded based on
the lowest aggregate score of the best three boats from NSW
and the best three boats from Queensland in the IRC Overall
results. NSW was victorious, fielding the majority of boats in
the fleet, and took the trophy with pride, challenging more
Queensland yachts to come onboard in 2019.
Commodore of SYC, Kerry Noyes said the 2018 Club
Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta was “a fantastic event
with lots of positive feedback”.
“Everybody had a great race up the Coast. Crews
absolutely loved it. Feedback had been that they were glad
to have sparring partners to race against. Like a race within
a race. It made for interesting conversations in the bar
afterwards! At the presentation, all competitors said they
would come back next year.
“Once they go back and start talking in their Clubs, they
will encourage more yachts to join them in 2019, and the
race will only grow and grow.”
RPAYC Commodore, Michael Lockley agreed, saying
“we had a quality fleet, small, but quality, which invokes the
best racing possible”.
“For example, Pretty Woman and Nine Dragons were
never more than two miles apart and that made for tight and
thrilling racing, which is what people go out to do – race boat
on boat out on the ocean.
“Full moon racing makes night time racing very scintillating
– that’s very special,” Michael continued. “Arriving at the
beautiful Southport Yacht Club was wonderful, and our hosts
Kerry and Ray and the team at SYC made us feel welcome.
It was sensational!
“I invite all those Club racing boats, both cruiser racers
and Grand Prix boats to enter next year’s Pittwater to
Paradise. This is an event for you, especially boats from 35 to
55ft. There is great competition in this boat size bracket and
rating certificates reflect this.
“Our aim is to attract a quality fleet of skippers and
continue to be a nurturing ground for up and coming sailors
and those in our Youth Development program.
“All in all, the Pittwater to Paradise ticks all the boxes and
it will grow because people want to do that type of racing at
that time of year. Pretty Woman will be back for sure!”
C L U B YA C H T I N G
OLD TIMER’S
P
ittwater welcomed the fleet of 21
boats for the 2018 Old Timers
Race. The 1100hrs start didn’t
faze any of the crew who were
up and ready to hit the water and
enjoy the stunning conditions on Pittwater.
With a steady north westerly set in for the
white sail race and possibly white knuckled
boat owners crew docked off and headed to
the start line.
As the starters gun came closer the fleet
bunched up along the extra-long start line,
with 5.5m amongst 50 footers edging their
way closer and closer to the line. For some
they were a little to eager and those three
letters where promptly announced over the
radio “O.C.S” by the Race Committee.
Whilst the big boats took a quick lead, it
was the middle of the pack that thoroughly
enjoyed the battle to the finish line, not giving
an inch to each other till they crossed. A new
course was added this year, course 4 to factor
in the wind direction which saw every inch
of Pittwater used, which was great for the
competitors as they had he whole of Pittwater
to themselves with not another user in sight!
Pretty Woman with Bruce Kemp on the
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YA C H T S M A N R PAY C
RACE
helm took Line Honours with Bonnie Lassie
bringing up the rear of the fleet.
Now for the real fun, the annual luncheon
with over a 120 hungry sailors ready to sit
down and enjoy the afternoon at the Club.
Commodore Lockley welcomed all the Old
Timers and crews and hit play on the newly
published Sesquicentennial History video
which ended in a room of applauds.
The famous Tom Spithill Quiz was next,
the Coach of the Year was clearly absent, now
a team member on Wild Oats X and taking
on the big boats in Port Stephens, neither-the-
less the show went on with more phones seen
on or under tables as ‘phone a friend called
Google’ was used.
The Old Timer’s race and luncheon
though, is about the members and their
stories, camaraderie and mateship. It sees
members who may not be sailing anymore
back on the water enjoying their life sport and
their club always with a laugh and cheer.
The Old Timer’s Race
crowns a new winner
Race Results
1. Nirvanas Kitchen II
2. Pegasus
3. Volante
Race winner was Nirvana’s Kitchen,
skippered by Jim Cormack. Quiz Winner
was: Second Time Around on count back to
Pretty Woman.
R PAY C YA C H T S M A N
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