Race 2 Summary of the Race

Race 2 on Sunday 25th August was forecast to deliver a building northerly wind 10 to 15 knots so the race committee tentatively set a Manly course 3.  Initially warm and overcast, the start was postponed 15 minutes and the race course and handicaps were changed to the new course 7 to Cannae Point near North Head with Starfire starting on scratch at 12.15, then Money Spinner III at 12.22 and lastly Blue Sky at 12.26.  Unfortunately Conquista was out due to equipment issues and Sail La Ve was MIA.

Both Starfire and Money Spinner started with northerly starboard tacks heading towards Bradleys Head with Blue Sky heading east towards Shark Island in what was an East Nor East breeze of about 8 knots.

After numerous wind holes and with the three boats spread out across the harbour they all came quite close together around Middle Head after some very shifty winds and over an hour's worth of effort.  It was from here that Starfire and Money Spinner headed north towards the center of the harbour entrance on a course made good run while Blue Sky headed west towards Middle Harbour entrance chasing better wind pressure which delivered a good distance advantage to round Cannae mark first with about 800m lead on Starfire who rounded second.

Blue Sky hoisted its largest spinnaker on a port hoist and headed south with decent wind about 8 knots north north west.  Starfire hoisted their kite and chased with Money Spinner not far behind hoisting their kite as well and the chase towards EC mark was on.

When Blue Sky approached South Head the wind dropped to near zero and we could only watch the chasing boats charge down with full spinnakers.  Then all boats were in a near zero wind zone for about 20 to 30 minutes.

As Blue Sky approached Camp Cove still with very light winds and could see Starfire making good speed with a decent breeze from the north and the gap was rapidly closing on Blue Sky.  The northerly filled in and reached Blue Sky and the lead was held while Starfire ensured they were East of the EC mark by making an easterly gybe.

Money Spinner tracked east by Lady Bay and Watsons Bay with just a headsail, trailing Starfire by about a 1km.  After another prolonged period of near zero winds, Blue Sky approached Shark Island.  With the 16.00 time limit fast approaching and the forecast 10-15 northerly nowhere in sight, the finish was shortened to the Shark Island mark and this was shared with the CYCA fleet and their finish boat. All three boats finished from 3.23pm to 3.40pm to secure a valid race.

As always, a great get together was held by the crews at the club (Blues Point Hotel) with beverages flowing along with the prize giving.  Two new crew members Blair and Amy were celebrated and awarded their BPYC hats.

Next race 8th September the Alan Rintoul Trophy.

Cheers

Carl Braden
COMMODORE

+61 416 093 215