February
Sat 4 Feb 1:00pm Visit by Metung YRC
Sun 5 Feb 2:00pm Divisional Series Ht 9 OTB & CAT 7 +D
Tue 7 Feb 4:30pm Twilight Ht 14 OTB & CAT 7
Sat 11 Feb 11:00am Eastern Region Regatta LVYC NoR
Sun 12 Feb 12:00pm Eastern Region Regatta LVYC
Tue 14 Feb 4:30pm Twilight Ht 15 OTB & CAT 7
Sun 19 Feb 2:00pm Divisional Series Ht 10 & 11 OTB & CAT 7
Tue 21 Feb 4:30pm Twilight Ht 16 OTB & CAT 7
Sun 26 Feb 1:00pm Chris Hawken Three Bays Race OTB & CAT 7 +D
Tue 28 Feb 4:30pm Twilight Ht 17 OTB & CAT 7
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 6:34pm by James Frecheville
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Open Letter to all GLYC members.
Lets turn the Algae in the Gippsland lakes into a positive, for GLYC, by building some club spirit doing things we don't normally do. I believe we have a very good opportunity coming up.
On Sunday, 12th February, the Eastern Region Regatta will be raced at Latrobe Valley Yacht Club; while we can't sail at Paynesville, let's go sailing somewhere else!
What is the Eastern Region Regatta about? Well, the following is what it means to me. Originally it was called the Gippsland Open Sailing Regatta (GIOSR) and started back in the 70's. It has been sailed annually ever since between Gippsland Clubs, from Inverloch to Marlo. In the early days a team of the best sailors was selected by each Club to race as a team against the other club teams. In those days it was a big thing to be selected to race, something you were very proud of; it meant the club thought you were one of the best sailors.
I was just a kid at Latrobe Valley YC and looked up to our selected team, hoping one day I would be selected. Now everybody who wants to sail from a club can participate and that is a good thing. Everybody gets to be part of the team; doesn't matter what you sail or how experienced you are. The more club members that are involved the better the chance the Club has of winning. I think of it as being the one chance we have as sailors to truly represent our club. While there are individual prizes, the ultimate prize is the Interclub Regatta trophy, which goes to the winning club: a trophy of no real value (I think it is a timber tray) but it is enclosed in a glass fronted case and has plaques showing all the clubs that have won it down through the years.
I first came to live in Paynesville and became a permanent member at GLYC some 24 years ago and within a couple of years I was lucky enough to be part of a winning GLYC team. At the time I didn't know many people at the club and sailed on my sailboard or crewed on my fathers Hood 23 keel boat. The Interclub Regatta that year was at Glemaggie SC and, to cut a long story short, I don't think GLYC expected to win. Not many members turned up to race. Luckily the wind was strong enough for me to win my division and the couple of Flying Fifteens and Trailer Sailers (sorry I can't remember who exactly) that made the effort did well as always; so GLYC came away with the Interclub Trophy. It was back slapping all round. On the way back some of the members stopped for dinner at a Pub in (if my memory serves me right) Maffra and I pulled in as well. For the first time I really felt like part of the club and have ever since, enjoying a number of such trips to Interclub Regattas sailing for GLYC, most notably a number of years with David Dennison who rallied the Sunbird trailer sailers to participate.
So lets all get together and go to Latrobe Valley YC on the 11th and 12th of February. If you don't have a boat you can tow, volunteer to crew on another club member's boat or borrow a boat you can tow. From Sabres to FF's and trailer sailers they can all be sailed at Hazelwood Pondage. There are a good ramp and jetty and shore moorings. There is also camping right by the water, so you can go for the Invitation race starting at 2pm Saturday and we can all get together Saturday night for a meal and a few drinks. That should make it easy to be ready for the first of the two races at 10am Sunday and show the other Gippsland clubs just how many good sailors we have at GLYC and that we can win away from our own water.
Gary Maskiell
Updated: 5 Feb 2012 3:15pm by Christie Arras
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Metung and Return Race on Sat. 7 Jan
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 6:38pm by Trevor Williams
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Algae Algae everywhere and not a drop to drink!!
Well, I guess we have been through a frustrating time with reports changing regularly and the usual anecdotal "evidence" from the "experts" that it's a lot of bull shit. Well for me, I believe in the science.
I am of the view that when the warning signs go up the Club has no alternative but to cancel club racing. This can be frustrating for those in protected Trailables; however there are other divisions than division 2.
Division 2, nonetheless, has been fortunate to conduct some O.F.E. events (old farts events) using the international handicapping system known as the "Collins computations". I should hasten to add that these events were conducted by a group of "private" sailors and these events had no connection to, or were sanctioned by the club.
No official results for the old farts are available, however, the usual courses using the fixed nav marks were used. You know: Micks Spit/Tiger Pole/No2/ Carstairs Bank or whatever and the usual suspects continue to get lost despite having written the course down. Worse still, the offender is then followed by another boat or two. Any way, we got some sailing in and we had a hell of a lot of fun.
A highlight of the month was a rather last minute organized cruise (on the sailing calendar) which by popular vote went to Nicholson. A great time was had by the those attending, with the Oxers demonstrating the substantial progress made on the Rail Trail in conjunction with the local Land Care Group.
Dinner was at the pub (which has improved) and the meeting for Coffee and Port in the drawing room read park shed was enhanced by Christie and a flagon of Port.
Well folks gotta go; the Wood Ducks on the jetty are waiting for a feed
Chris
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 10:32pm by Stuart Loft
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GLYC Clancy, Andrew, Murphy McColl and
Mark Jefferis arrive at Blairgowrie for
the Sabre Nationals
A most amazing thing happened in the week following Christmas. The OTB division 3 at GLYC has almost been non existent over the last year, yet, a fleet of seven boats and skippers represented the Gippsland Lakes at the Sabre Nationals held at Blairgowrie!
Mitch Bayliss sailed old number 90 Floyd. Mark Jefferis borrowed Dave Bacon's boat, Leadlight,and Breanna Collins jumped back into Kaboom for the first time in twelve months. James Frecheville sailed in Marks boat Pipit for the final four races. And, of course, there was team McColl consisting of Murphy in Pocket Maxi, Clancy in Happy Hour and myself sailing Flashpoint in the old boat-heavy skipper division.
There were a record 130 entrants in the race series which made for a once in a lifetime experience sailing in such a large fleet of one design boats. Weather for the series consisted of very light to medium strength winds which tended to be shifty and generally warm to hot temperatures. Tides also proved to be a factor which isn't something we lake sailors generally have to consider.
Starting in such a large fleet where everyone was desperate to be in the first row in favourable positions was a challenge to say the least with many log jams and lots of colourful language. The sabre fleet is notorious for needing multiple starts and this series was no exception as they tested the race management's patience to the maximum. In one of the races three starts were attempted before the black flag came out which brought everyone back into line for a clean start. Mark learned the hard and disappointing way that a black flag means disqualification.
Mark roundings were also a challenge in such a large fleet. On a number of occasions I was able to avoid congestion but heard lots of crashing, banging and shouting behind me. I wasn't so lucky in the seventh race...more about that later.
Old Flashpoint came through the series with a few battle scars. In the invitation race, I was sheeting on for the start and was surprised when the whole thwart broke into two pieces. After retiring and slowly making my way back to the shore I met a local gent who had just finished building a house and offered me the use of any timber left over from the construction. As luck would have it there was the perfect piece of timber which, combined with lots of duct tape, resulted in a very satisfactory repair.
On another occasion I was not so lucky during a downwind mark rounding as we headed back into the wind for the final beat and had another boat's transom corner punch a small hole in my forward tank just under the waterline. I was not aware of the hole at the time and continued racing... It explains why all the boats that I had worked hard to overtake passed me on the final beat to the finish line...50kg of water ballast will do that!
Final standings for the GLYC team were:
Clancy McColl 60 (2nd in youth division)
Murphy McColl 61
Mark Jefferis 74
Breanna Collins 78
Mitch Bayliss 90
Andrew McColl 93
James Frecheville 123
Overall, the regatta was a great success and I achieved the two goals that I had set for myself: namely to have fun and not finish last. Now I'll head back to the shed for the repair work while I ponder the possibility of Sabre state titles to be held in February at Sandringham.
Andrew McColl
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 6:25pm by Christie Arras
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Thrice Bitten at National Titles
Six GLYC Mosquito catamaran sailors travelled to South Australia to contest the 40th National Titles of the Mosquito class, with all the GLYC sailors performing well in the 31 boat fleet. On "Thrice Bitten" I secured my fourth National Title, the third National Title in a row in the Mk1 (Cat Rig) fleet sailed at Rivoli Bay Sailing Club in South Australia. "Immunity" Neil and David Joiner placed 2nd in the Mk2 (Sloop Rig) fleet and where close to the front most of the time, winning 2 races in the strongest winds near the end of the regatta, if only the farm didn't keep them away from more important things like sailing, their lack of time on the water meant they improved as the regatta progressed. "Catalyst" Mitch Meade 5th Mk1, found the form he showed two years ago and was constantly in the top 5 and threatened the top 2 regularly. "Bite Me" Nick Baglioni 6th Mk1, showed form we had never seen before from him one up, a great result. "Karma Cat" Henry and Tim Shepperd 6th Mk2, did well when you consider Henry's lack of experience skippering, I am sure Tim wished he had a remote control at times. "Bee Alert" Peter Nikitin 12th Mk1, would probably say he had a regatta he would prefer to forget, but luck was just not on his side, with things like losing a rudder pivot bolt on the second day. I credit the strength of competition and camaraderie amongst the Div 4 sailors at GLYC, as being a major factor in enabling me to keep improving and continue to win National Titles. Also I would like to thank the sailing captain and the race team at GLYC for organising a number of back to back races over the Sundays at the end of December, which allowed the Mosquito's to get "race ready"for the Nationals as 6 of the 10 races sailed where back to back. I know back to back races don't suit everybody at GLYC, but it was a great help to the Mossies that went to the national titles.
With a score line of 7 first places and a second place, with 8 races to count for the title, you could mistakenly think that it was a easy win for "Thrice Bitten", but nothing could be further from the truth. With 4 of the wins by less than 10 seconds, it was the closest title win yet, with the competition amongst the top 4 boats sailed on a knife edge, any mistake was quickly capitalised on by competitors. Every race there where lead changes, sometimes many in a matter of minutes. In the stronger wind races I was pushed to the limits by newer boats with younger competitors, in the lighter winds the mental strain of making the right choices to link up the patches of wind, made a game of chess look easy and the younger sailors, where even more competitive.
Upon presentation of the winner's trophy, I remarked, that this National Title Regatta heralded the arrival of a new generation of Mosquito catamaran sailors, with 4 of the top 6 sailors under 26 years of age. Could the boat name "Thrice Bitten" be an omen and this be the last National Title win? That will depend on how hungry the young sailors are to win. One thing is for sure, with the next National Titles to be sailed on home waters at Paynesville in the next Christmas New Year period, "Thrice Bitten" won't be making it easy for them.
Now looking forward to the Eastern Region Regatta at Latrobe Valley YC 12th Feb, hope to see all the Div 4 boats and as many other GLYC boats at Hazelwood as possible. Also looking forward to the Twofold Bay Regatta at Eden the weekend after, 18-19th February.
See you on the water (somewhere?) "Thrice Bitten"
Updated: 2 Feb 2012 4:07pm by Gary Maskiell
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At the time of writing, seven races have been completed with seven different winners. That's what the handicapper likes to see. Hopefully, the winners, Chibi Zulu, Ghost, Raptor , Waitogo, Caprice, Storyteller and Rapture will find the going a little tougher for some weeks back in the middle of the fleet.
I'm told, by reliable sources, that the bulk of the fleet are finishing bunched enough to cause anxiety palpitations for our dedicated timers of George and Hugh. If the handicap system continues to function fairly, we may need to move the oxygen bottles to the upstairs deck.
Our first race for 2012, saw our best fleet for some time. The fleet of thirty boats was boosted by a few holidaying visitors, a warm breeze and beautiful sunshine. A slightly longer course provided sufficient for the backmarkers to thread their way through the fleet to take the podium positions. The winner was the tri, Rapture, apparently only recently launched and state of the art construction.
For the rest of us,....There's always next week.
Brian
Updated: 9 Jan 2012 5:30pm by Christie Arras
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1/2/12 6.30pm-9.30pm Lions Club Meeting
6/2/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
8/2/12 9 am - 10 am Probus Meeting
13/2/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
15/2/12 6.30pm-9.30pm Lions Club Meeting
20/2/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
22/2/12 9 am - 2 pm Probus Meeting
25/2/12 9 am - 5 pm Music Festival
27/2/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
5/3/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
6/3/12 9 am - 3 pm Sailability
7/3/12 6.30pm-9.30pm Lions Club Meeting
10-12/3/12 Marley Point weekend
14/3/12 9 am - 10 am Probus Meeting
19/3/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
21/3/12 6.30pm-9.30pm Lions Club Meeting
24/3/12 6.30pm - 11pm Graeme Kinrade Wedding
26/3/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
28/3/12 9 am - 2 pm Probus Meeting
2/4/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
3/4/12 9 am - 3 pm Sailability
4/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
5/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
6/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
7/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
8/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
9/4/12 All day GLYC Easter regatta
11/4/12 9 am - 10 am Probus Meeting
16/4/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
18/4/12 6.30pm-9.30pm Lions Club Meeting
23/4/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
25/4/12 9 am - 2 pm Probus Meeting
28/4/12 6.30pm - 11pm CFA Awards night
30/4/12 10 am - 2 pm Patchwork Club Meeting
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 6:28pm by Ian Spottiswood
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Lilliputian sailing on the Nicholson
With our beautiful lakes now under algal attack (hopefully very temporary), some of us may be suffering from S.D.S...
Especially the 'off the beach' group. Whether you are in the first half, or the second half of your life, male or female, if you fancy your tuning and racing skills, the Nicholson Model Sailing Club will welcome S.D.S. sailors to try their hand at radio controlled sailing.
We sail on the clean waters of the Nikko River downstream side of the highway bridge. Second and fourth Saturday of the month, be there by 1100 hrs. before racing at 1300hrs.
Mindyaleeches and
Good sailing
Kaye & Graham Veal
Nicholson Model Sailing Club
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 10:34pm by Christie Arras
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Dave helms Faraway on the cruise to
Nicholson
The club has scheduled two winners in February and March: the Jazz Festival venue on Saturday, February 25, and the Marlay Point Breakfast on Sunday, March 11.
(That's not including the inaugural Race Week April 4th to 9th which will need all sorts of help from club members.)
Helpers are needed in the kitchen and waitressing or waitering during the afternoon and evening for the jazz. Christie Arras, Linda Callahan and Angela Bacon will be coordinating the luscious cafe snacks and treats, so any great ideas can be fielded to them. Shifts will be arranged so it doesn't look too obvious that we are just enjoying the music.
Also, we are hoping for people who have mastery over baking SCONES to contribute some for the high tea aspect of the jazz afternoon. Let us know if you can.
And Marlay Point...yes, the regular owl crew is needed for the early early shift and then shifts will go on the rest of the day, depending on the wind and maybe even the algae. It's a lot of work but a lot of fun as well.
So, you can email Christie Arras christiearras@yahoo.com.au to let us know what time you might like to help out.
Thanks, Christie
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 6:35pm by Christie Arras
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Early dawn light washes over club boats on
Nicholson jetty
Several weeks ago, eight trailer sailers cruised up to Nicholson for the night. Though a little disorganized at first, Dave Bacon took the helm and shepherded the fleet out of the GLYC jetty. With a nice south easterly blowing the fleet hit the channel markers in no time. The more intrepid sailors continued up the river under sail zigzagging along the beautiful stretch of river.
As we arrived near the jetties we were surprised to be met by an entire regatta of boats racing the river. Granted most were not much longer than a meter long and were being expertly sailed remotely from the bank by members of the Nicholson Model Sailing Club. Once we were all tied up, we all got a chance sailing one of the little sail boats. Thanks, guys.
Fortunately, all eight of our boats found a berth on the jetty with much relief considering the signs posted prohibiting rafting up at the jetty. What did you say, Bernie?
Some went off for walks, while others napped or chatted or tidied up their boats. The Oxers showed some of us the wonderful work they have been involved in along the railtrail planting natives and creating a walk in a parklike setting under the rail bridge. Well done.
Miraculously a feast of hors d'ouervres was spread out for the cocktail hour as everyone congregated before dinner. Then on up to the Pub where most were pleased with their meals. Those most intrepid met in the picnic enclosure for some port and a few more treats afterwards.
After a pleasant night people broke fast then in dribbles headed home. A few stayed back a while to assist Ray Bouvet reawaken his outboard. Once again, most sailed down the river wending their way through the turns and eddies.
Another great Club social sail for all involved.
Christie
Updated: 5 Feb 2012 3:56pm by Christie Arras
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A pin up shot of Ben for the girls!
The Queensland Tourism is doing it tough suffering badly from the flow on of Cyclone Yassi and the strong dollar. This was of little concern to us on our travels on Slinky Malinky but it was made all too apparent with resorts in disarray, few visitors enjoying the tropics and a general lethargy all round. Laguna Quays Marina, where I left the boat for a week was tired and flat with less than a third occupancy and only three liveaboards. I didn't stay long on my return to the boat from a mate's wedding bash further south. There was too much good sailing and stuff to be enjoyed.
The Whitsunday Islands are just as beautiful and striking today as they were when Cook passed through over two centuries ago and as there weren't a whole lot of people around I enjoyed the fine weather, the quiet anchorages, some grand sailing and some occasional good fishing. Airlie Beach is Airlie Beach and the lagoon much the same as it has always been. Alas no white pointers to be seen.
It was good to pick up Ben from the beach outside the Hammo Airport. A drive by pick up so to speak. We headed out to Hazlewood Island and snorkelled, caught dinner and walked the pristine Chalkies and Whitehaven Beaches. Life was grand and it was a treat to hear of his life as a charter skipper on a French gaff cutter out of St. Malo.
Border Island was our next stop and also a climb to Whitsunday Cairn near Hook Passage. I had hired some scuba gear so in the prevailing light conditions we dived a little reef lagoon in Mackeral Bay before heading around to Manta Ray Bay and to Maureens Cove for more of the same. That night it poured. It was still raining in the morning but we decided to go for a sail anyway and headed for Bait Reef. As we drove north the skies cleared ahead but behind us both Hook and Hayman Islands were enshrouded with dark rain clouds. The wind veered and we set the kite for a great sail to the outer reef. There we dived and dived. And managed to dive some more as a dive charter boat turned up and were happy to refill our tanks.
We enjoyed a great sail back to Airlie to drop off the scuba gear, grab a loaf of bread and set sail again for Bowen some 40 miles away through the Gloucester Passage. From Bowen Ben and I did a day trip to Alva Beach where we joined a dive charter out to the wreck of S/S Yongalla, a 109m steamer that was lost with all hands in 1911 near Cape Bowling Green. Now that was a dive to remember.
The following day was just out of the box. Trade wind sailing under the black sail and blue skies. We covered 110 miles from Bowen Harbour public pontoon to anchor down Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island in just over twelve hours. Twelve hours and ten minutes to be sitting in the Marlin Bar enjoying a cold beer. It then started to rain. Then it really rained and did not stop for nearly 20 hours. Magnetic Island has more sunshine than anywhere else in Qld. So say the brochures!
Enough was enough so we headed out in grey squally conditions for the run to Orpheus Island. This run was done under spinnaker alone and we revelled in the surfing conditions. Once in the lee of the Palm Group we hoisted a double reefed main and put the kite back on the prodder for the beam reach to Orpheus. The seemingly tame 25 knot breeze now had some bite as we power reached north at speed and in limited visibility. It was definitely boy sailing and was great fun until the kite just gave up with an expensive bang. Bugger.
Rain was still falling as we made the moorings in Pioneer Bay. There was little point in a walk ashore so after a mackerel lunch we headed on to Lucinda and anchored in a creek behind the sugar terminal. At least the beer at the pub was cold which softened my mood on not having a kite for the remainder of the journey north.
Next day we headed for Zoe Bay on Hichinbrook Island where we planned to walk up to the waterfall and swimming hole. We entered the north creek at high water and worked out that we would need at least two hours of making tide before we could ever get out again. We could see water cascading off the hills so it was little surprise that the track to the waterfall was itself a river. The real stream was a raging torrent and impassable so we returned the mile along the beach to the boat.
It was now low tide and we could see the channel quite clearly. Well, as clearly as one can when the outflow is a muddy brown. We left two hours into the flood tide and thinking we were clear when the sounder climbed from 0.8m to 1.4m added some power and crunch. I've done this before and it doesn't sound real nice at all; so I backed off with some power. Perhaps too much and spun backwards onto the sandbank. Now we had a bent rudder and a blown out kite. Steering was difficult to say the least but we carried on north looking now for somewhere we could slip the boat and make the necessary repair.
We didn't find that place until another 100 odd miles further north in Cairns. At least the weather was soft and if we kept under 7 knots we could maintain some form of steerage and control. As it turned out we couldn't have used the kite again anyway as the latter part of the trip was close reaching or on the nose. Some consolation!
Cairns is out of control. It is so busy. But we did enjoy our short time there, especially the CYC Xmas Party which Ben and I crashed. (It seems that a GLYC shirt can open doors.) The boat is now tucked away on a swing mooring about 2 miles upstream of Cairns. Ben and I beached the boat and pulled the damaged rudder. With aid of an oxy torch we straightened the shaft as best we could and refitted it the next tide. Fortunately no crocs took any interest in our in water activities. The damage to the keel and rudder is minimal and in need of little more than some epoxy attention so it can wait till after Easter when I return north and slip for antifouling and stuff.
Cairns to Darwin leaving mid April after our Club Easter Regatta is the plan. It is a trip that Carol has done 4 times before and we have many memories of far north Queensland and the Territory. Keep the big island on the left. Sounds like a plan.
James
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 5:26pm by Christie Arras
Young local mariners model Jenny B Spandex
Polo shirts
Ladies "Jenny B" Spandex Polo shirt ( 95%cotton 5% elastane) available in red or white, sizes 8 to 16.
Normally $30, SPECIAL price $20 while stocks last.
Pete
Updated: 3 Feb 2012 5:32pm by Christie Arras
In mid December Ben Frecheville and I had the pleasure of doing a Sydney to Melbourne delivery aboard a "Cookson50" yacht named Terra Firma.
We had been racing on Friday December 16 and finished at around 17:00. 'Blue' (Terra's boat manager) had checked a forecast and wanted to get away the next morning, so we used the manpower of the 14 crew to put the boat in 'delivery mode'.
What is delivery mode? Mouse out both Masthead Halyards and re-run a masthead delivery halyard. Re-run a fractional delivery halyard, re-run delivery tacklines (for the assy kite), remove the racing jib and kite sheets, remove all of the racing sails as well as their battens and then roll them up and get them to the van (Main and 4 Headsails), remove the inshore boom and replace with the offshore boom, put on the delivery main and jib... oh and the delivery kite! Then came the cruising gear - Hot water service, Coffee maker etc... The list goes on!
The four delivery crew got away from the fuel dock just before midday. The winds were light so we proceeded to motor sail down the coast at 7-9kts. A few hours into the journey and Blue popped his head up from down below and had the following to say: "There is a slack water at about 15:00 on Monday... I'd like to be there for it! The forecast is looking shit hot and I think it should be manageable... we just need to average 9kts from here to the corner (Gabo Island), then 12kts across to the Prom (Wilsons Prom) and from the Prom to the heads we'll do 10!"
Well, that sounded pretty good to us... but we weren't doing 9kts! Dial up the motor? No, not this early in the trip; we don't want to stop at Eden for Fuel! Keep motorsailing! So motor sail we did... until sunrise on the Sunday morning when the breeze freshened a bit and was coming from astern. First, we killed the motor, second, we got the kite up! Speeds went up, and we were not too far from the corner. It was very pleasant eating a breakfast with a 15kt wind behind us and Ben at the helm.
This was lovely for a few hours - Blue had decided to get some kip, as had the 4th crew member Billy. Somewhere in the middle of the day (time had begun to blur), the wind was freshening and had reached 20 with gusts to 25 and things were starting to get a little more uncomfortable!
I was manning the vang whilst Ben was still at the helm. It was at this point I think Ben decided that we should start thinking about taking the kite down - Wisely he must have thought we would need everybody on deck for that! Although I wasn't party to his plan I am sure it was well thought out...he gracefully headed the boat up into a gentle broach and tipped our fellow crew-members out of their slumber and onto the floor! With sails flapping I proceeded to start letting things off, traveller off, mainsheet off, kite sheet off...After a little while we got a bit of flow back over the rudder, headed down, and trimmed on again. Blue and Billy popped up from down below and thanked us for the wakeup call. We continued again with the kite... until it happened for a second time. We decided at that point that Ben owed us a few beers and it was time to change drivers and get the kite down.
The kite was down; we had full delivery main (a 3/4 hoist sail) and full delivery jib up with the wind still astern. We gybed the boat onto starboard and we were on the lay line of the Corner. At this point I was on the helm and the wind had freshened to 25-30kts and the sea was building a little... YEEHAAAAA! We now had a boat speed fairly consistently around the 13kt mark with surfs of up 20kts. Remarkably, in the heavy breeze the boat felt magnificent. It didn't load up falling off the waves and it never felt out of control or like it wanted to tear the wheel from your hands. It is a lot of fun sending somebody else's Carbon Fibre sled down the front of a wave at 20kts! We all had a turn on the helm in these delightful conditions except for Blue, who took the wheel when we got to the corner and the wind dropped back to 10-15kts! Unfortunately, the wind was blowing from the Corner directly at the Prom... This would mean gybing downwind.
"You blokes used up all the fun tickets", declared Blue as he went down below to check the weather situation. We decided to gybe back onto port and head out to sea in the search for more wind... and more wind we got! We found the 25-30 that we had been in earlier just as the sun was setting. We moved into our 4hr overlapping shifts over night and restarted our sled ride. It was total darkness. No moon and cloud cover meant sailing had to be done totally by instruments and feel - just to compound the visibility situation the VERY BRIGHT starboard nav light was shining directly into the Jib and beaming back at the helmsmen... who happened to Billy then me. We decided that doing 2hrs at the helm was good way to go. It was a long time of intense concentration with occasional fill your pants moments as the boat took off at 20 plus kts into the darkness and all you could do was steer a heading until you found the wave in front of you!
Well, after my 2hrs I was about to hand over to Ben when Blue popped his head up and said it was time to. We flipped over onto Starboard and I gave Ben the wheel and promptly went to bed - woken occasionally by Bens 'whooo hooos' and 'yeee haaaas'.
I rose the next morning to have Ben tell me "as soon as we gybed over the sea state was nicer and there wasn't that f%@#$^ green nav light in your face! It was awesome". I thought to myself 'Gee I hate that starboard nav light'.
At this point we were looking good for our 15:00 slack water! We were almost at the Prom, it was around 05:00 and we should have the north-easterly till around 10:00. WRONG. We got headed by the westerly about 45 minutes later. Back to motor sailing comfortably in the light westerly. It looked like we would now miss 15:00 but should get the 21:00 slack. WRONG. The wind strengthened and the sea built up and we found ourselves not laying Cape Shank on a port tack. By midafternoon the weather was what could only be described at shitty... 25-30kts on the nose and we were dropping off some rather large waves and occasionally slamming the boat! It was a situation where you didn't want to be on deck as it was wet and bleak... and you didn't want to be down below because the boat was on its ear and pitching!
Well, we didn't make our slack water... we too-ed and fro-ed on the tides and talked about waiting around for the next one... but it was just too miserable! There was mention of hiding in Westernport for a few hours, but Westernport offers very little shelter for a yacht that draws 3.5m. In the end Blue made the call that we would be able to get through the Rip and radioed the harbourmaster. No shipping so we were good to go.
We wound up the sail drive to full noise and away we went with the wind from directly astern once again. We dropped the Jib and gave ourselves the right angle not to crash Gybe half way across and away we went. A few big surfs of around 20kts (saildrive screaming) and we were through, into the Western Channel, out of the Western Channel, next stop Sandringham!
We docked at around 03:00. 61hrs heads to heads at an average speed of 9.85kts. I spied the following Facebook Status from Ben the next day "Well.... I want a Cookson 50". I am looking forward to the next trip!
Mitch Bayliss
Updated: 2 Feb 2012 5:20pm by Christie Arras
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| For Sale - Sabre 1755 Built Nov 2007 in the ex Botterill mould. Contact: Dave Bacon | Minnows for sale We have two timber Minnows for sale. Contact: Lofty & Jacqui |
| Minnow 998 Botterill glass hull with timber deck. Recent professional recoat of the deck. 2 sails. Stainless beach trolley and timber cradle. Fitted cover, foil bag. All in excellent condition. Contact: Andrew Peck | Sabre Ruff Red Contact: David Fernyhough |
