It is certainly great to have embarked on the new sailing season after a disappointing end to last season due to flooding.
The season came to a grinding halt early on Sunday 28th February, halfway through the annual 2-day regatta. Boats were lifted and all preparations made for significant flooding. Thankfully, the water stopped a few centimeters short of going into the clubhouse. The grounds are starting to recover well with a good covering of grass and limited mud on the bank. Thanks must go out to all those who helped to get the grounds back in such good shape.
Sailing for the season kicked off on August 20 with a strong fleet of 15 boats sailing in moderate south easterlies, often having a tough battle with the strong tide. All boats eventually made the finish line even though there was a little backwards movement from some skippers at times.
The AGM was held before racing on August 27 seeing Hariet Woodrow returned as Commodore, Nathan Stanton as Vice Commodore, Wayne Culph elected as Secretary and Denise Bruschweiler as Treasurer.
There was only a small fleet of sailors who braved the cold conditions on August 27; one multi hull and six monos. However, two races were still conducted with no shortage of tussles and healthy competition in the 8-10 knot south-easterly. Calum Liddle won the multi hull division uncontested. The hardest part of the day was having to pull a couple of mono hull boats who optimistically attempted to use the eastern boat ramp which is still quite boggy.
Results (Div 2 only)
Race 1. James Harrison, Jim O’Keefe, Emma Robertson.
Race 2. Jim O’Keefe, James Harrison, Hariet Woodrow.
Saturday September 3 is the first championship round: Briefing at 1pm and race commences at 1.30. New members are welcomed. There is Learn to Sail weekly at 10am on Saturday mornings. Come and get involved.
Sonya Price