The first race of the 2023-24 Championship Series was sailed on Saturday with a strong lineup of boats contesting the coveted prize.
The six-race series is the Club’s premier competition event and from the quality of entries in the opening heat it’s going to be a tough one.
Sailing conditions were challenging. A gusty and highly selective breeze swung in every direction and at every speed between zero and 15 knots. At any given time, while some crews struggled to keep their boats under control in a sudden squall, whilst others only meters away sat becalmed. As a result, huge gains and losses were the order of the day and it was anyone’s race right through to the finish. Winning catamaran skipper Tony Rose described it perfectly with; “It was like playing a game of Snakes and Ladders”.
Race officials decided on a multi-lap single race program. The monohulls were set three laps and the catamarans four. Total distance covered was 11 and 15km respectively. Long reach legs to Cowans Creek and the Rowing Club gave crews who were lucky enough to catch a gust at the right time, some thrilling off-wind sailing. A tight work from the busy start line to the first mark tested everyone’s skills with multiple tacks needed to clear the mark while avoiding collisions with other boats.
Veteran Laser skipper Karl Cooksley took out the prize in the monohull division. Experienced in all weathers and knowing this stretch of the river better than most, Karl was able to exploit the fickle conditions and avoid the traps that snared his opponents. Getting away to a great start and sailing consistently throughout the race he crossed the line with a margin of just over a minute from Neil Burgess in second. Peter Zietsch came in third after a capsize put an end to some steady gains made earlier.
Arrow skipper Tony Rose took out first place in the catamaran division. Despite trailing rival skipper Steve Russell in the early stages Tony held his nerve and sailed cautiously to avoid the worst of the wind ‘potholes’ littering the course. His patience paid off when an unexpected gust caught Steve by surprise and sent him in for a swim. Steve righted his boat quickly but was unable to retake the lead and had to be content with a still very respectable second place. Luke Denham and first-time crew Adam Bexterman sailed their formidable Hobie 18 effortlessly through the never-ending squally gusts and claimed a well deserved third place. They also clocked the fastest finish time giving them day’s line honours title.
See the website for full results.
A big thanks to event volunteers. Race official – Bob Fish. Rescue boat – Greg Lee. Photos – Deb Michell.
No racing next Saturday (November 4) as the Club will be participating in the Jacaranda Float Parade. Watch out for us.
Sailing resumes the following Saturday (11).
Visitors or anyone wanting to have a go at sailing are most welcome to drop in. Start time is around 1pm on Saturdays.
A ‘Discover Sailing Day’ is being held at the Club on Sunday November 19. A great opportunity for anyone who would like to give it a go. See the website for more information.
More details on our website. https://crsc.yachting.org.au
Peter Zietsch