Race Officer Report – Mark Jenkins
Day 1 Saturday July 18
With the prevailing wind conditions coming in from southwest meant the course could be set reasonably close and allowing a good length for the control area on a dry surface.
Course was set from the start marks up to the Winward mark to port around the spreader down to the bottom buoys used as a gate with inside to outside rounding up to the top again and then back down to the gate and through to the finish, total 2 laps.
The skippers briefing was held, and it was put to them with a steady breeze would they like to start earlier and get the regatta under way. This was unanimous.
A test race was set up for those that wanted to try the course and get things dialed in. This was a big help in making sure the layout was fair and gave a good gauge on the time taken to complete.
Straight after this the first seeding races were held to sort out the 2 fleets.
Wind started at 4knts but quickly settled in to around to mid A rig conditions for most of the day.
Midway through the top marks were changed to a gate, allowing for more separation. Inside out worked well. This made it even more interesting with a reasonable split of separation at the top.
Even though the marks were brought in closer a few still had issues with clear rounding’s brought on by trying to turn to close.
A total of 10 races had been completed by the first day with skippers voting to have an early finish at 4pm.
Day 2 Sunday July 19
Light breeze settled into the same direction as yesterday and the same course was able to be set. Most of the sailing was mid-A rig conditions.
This was an eventful day with 5 protests that went all the way. Skippers certainly have the right to protest however it is better to sort things out on the water as some of the final rulings were very costly. Most were for basic rule infringements.
Six races were able to be completed, with the regatta closing at 2pm. Total of 16 races allowing for 3 drops. Congratulations to
1st Pierre-Yves Mechin – sail 67 a well-deserved win
2nd Rob Nelson – sail 27
3rd Erle Williams – sail 28
Thanks to Esmae Webber who had a long day on Saturday helping with the scoring and braving the wind chill factor.
A huge thanks to Nigel Webber was officially scoring and umpiring, also filling in course laying and boat duties. Fantastic effort.
To all the skippers thank you for making this regatta a great experience and for your willingness to reach a consensus when critical decisions had to be made.
RO – Mark Jenkins
