4th -7th June 2023 – Report by Paul Pearson (GHRYC)
As NZ’s only representative, It is my pleasure to give a short report on the recent AU DF95 Nationals hosted by the Sunshine Coast Radio Sailing Club. My entry was a last minute decision after a few beers after racing at Gulf Harbour last Wednesday and my first ever Nationals event!
Sunday the 4th was a practice day and measuring. Only one rig of each type was allowed. This meant a decision had to be made on A rig sail cloth weight as the breeze forecast for the 1st day of racing was a fresh 18 knots with higher gusts. The organisers had bent over backwards to see that my late entry was accommodated with a total of 28 boats from locations around Australia and a team from Tasmania.
The Monday’s forecast proved to be accurate but a small number of sailors (including me) decided to opt for an A rig for race one. This proved to be a bad call. From then on for the rest of the day, it was B rigs only and some fairly intense racing with speeds higher, collisions more likely and plenty of rules discussions in the Control area. Fortunately the organisers made sure that despite the high stakes, the general conduct from all of the competitors was kept under control and mostly very civil. The temperatures were lower than the seasonal norm which I had not really anticipated and the sun made no attempt to show its face for the duration of the day.
The organisers laid on some great food for the lunch break which was very gratefully received. My day ended with a 13th overall, which I was pleasantly surprised about, as it did not feel like I had a particularly good day.
Day 2 laid on a much improved day with higher temps and a nice 10-12 knots which started in the SW and swung into the prevailing SE by the end of the day. The racing was again fiercely competitive with most having the usual highs and lows of yacht racing. I myself managed a couple of wins but also a few shockers but overall I felt I had done ok but to my surprise had dropped to 18th at the end of the days racing. By this stage the leaders were starting to show their quality and the same names appeared regularly at the sharp end of the results sheets. The team from Tasmania were showing particular consistency in starting technique and dodging pile ups and the carnage at the top mark. The way the wind generally lifts on the left hand side of this race track, means a good proportion of the fleet were coming into the top mark on port tack which would on many occasions, prove to be a recipe for some small disasters!
At the end of each days racing, beers and nibbles were laid on and awards were dished out for significant events that occurred during the days racing. Matthew Gray from Risdon Brook RYC by now was clearly the man to beat, racing with his own sails. The top lady sailor Lisa Blackwood from the same club was also proving hard to beat.
Day 3 and the final day of racing was met with clear blue skies and we could finally discard the heavy clothing and pull the sun cream out of the bag. Wind conditions were identical to the previous day which meant the RO (Bill) had to tweak the course as the day progressed. My results followed a similar pattern to the previous day. Moments of greatness with another win but immediately followed by a collision and penalty, despite my best efforts to keep out of trouble.
One unusual and significant event on the last day, was the fire onboard Lisa Blackwood’s No 35 caused by a stressed battery. The heat causing a major hole in the deck rendering that boat useless. Fortunately from somewhere she managed to borrow a replacement hull and was back into racing.
A total of 25 races were completed and at 2.30pm racing came to a conclusion. I had managed another win and for most of the final day had managed to keep myself in the A fleet which had slightly improved my overall finishing position of 16th. My learning curve was steep and a huge amount was learnt. I will definitely be returning to AU for racing, as the Kawana Water location was superb.
The prizegiving saw numerous prizes awarded to both ends of the fleet and a new set of sails, kindly donated by Daniel Bergan (329) going to Lisa Fraser (68).
Top 3 results were as follows:-
1st Matthew Gray (29)
2nd Lisa Blackwood (35)
3rd John Musgrave (222)
John should get a special mention for winning the over 70’s division and also Matthew for being the only sailor in the fleet to remain in A fleet for the entire event.
I could not have enjoyed the event and sailing these great little boats more.
The organising committee, numerous volunteers and sponsors under Derrick’s excellent stewardship deserve massive congratulations and praise for running an exceptional event.
Links below for both Facebook pictures and Youtube videos of a number of the races.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=7094404277252804&set=pcb.6426484337389003
https://www.youtube.com/@QldRadioYachting
Paul Pearson (303)
Gulf Harbour Radio Yacht Club
