Report and Results for Autumn Race 8, 5 July 2020

Skippers, Crew, Club members and Supporters

With an on-time start boat, a 12/18 knot WSW wind, and a slightly diminished fleet of five starters, it was a pivotal moment when Megisti requested a delayed start due the massive CYC fleet powering across Clark Island at the beginning of our race. 

Sadly, Cap’n Hugh’s delayed start request was denied and so he instituted his own by about 14 seconds before proceeding to Manly on Course 3, followed by Clonnie and Conquista, the latter deciding not to fly a spinnaker but to goose wing most of the way to Manly. 

Martela, with its colourful, asymmetric spinnaker and loyal crew, had a good start, but seemed to lose speed after passing the Kentucky Fried mark and decided to take the longer course to Manly by heading towards Steele Point.

As excitement raged further down the order, Cap’n Carl’s Blue Sky experienced a minor twist in their asymmetric spinnaker just past Clark Island. However, it wasn’t long before the crew whisked the spinnaker down and up again to have Blue Sky flying high, heading due North to Manly, overtaking Martela near Middle Head. 

It was Megisti first round the Manly marks, followed by Clonnie with Conquista close on her stern.  Unfortunately, after passing Clonnie, Conquista suffered a sheet override as it headed towards the Eastern Channel mark.  Determined action by the crew sorted this out in time to avoid a close encounter with South Head.

As all yachts tacked back and forth from the Heads to Shark Island, Blue Sky managed to power past both Conquista and Clonnie. However, it was Megisti first across the finishing line, just over two minutes ahead of Blue Sky.

A cracking day of sailing for all, followed by an enjoyable get-together and presentation at our favourite Blue’s Point pub.

(Thanks to Sue-Maree, crew on Blue Sky, for this report).

Kind regards

Chris Winston
Commodore
Blues Point Yacht Club