Only two races left to be sailed in the Sailing the Bay Winter Series organised by the Batemans Bay Sailing Club. The results of Race 6 sailed on 7 July in strong winds not only rattled the rigging but also the current standings in this series.
There are at least four yachts vying for first placing in this competitive series with the last race and presentation set for Saturday 4 August.
Race 6 was a day of heroics when the forecast for the Bay was a westerly wind of about 25 knots. At the pre-race briefing an opinion was that the expected front had just passed so the scheduled Course B could be sailed with an optional course agreed should conditions worsen.
Seven yachts left the Marina for the start line at Caseys Beach with the official start time at 1pm. The two scratch boats in this handicap race, “Horizon” and “Eirene” were reaching at a good speed under a 12 knot breeze. However, conditions changed once rounding Snapper Island and beating into the increasing westerly towards Square Head mark presenting a real challenge to the fleet. “Charlie Barr 111” starting 17 minutes later also experienced the strong gusts at Square Head and with only two crew on board decided to withdraw from the race as did “Horizon”. It was at this location that the 45 footer X-boat “Xanthia” decided to “pull the pin” due to difficulties in changing headsails.
“Eirene” skippered by John McCloskey with now seasoned crew Antoinette and Herman Karsten were sailing the Square Head to Wimbie Beach leg when the four remaining boats started at their various handicap starting times. She held this position to the finish and a maiden win in this series. “Ghoster” a Farr 9.2 skippered by Dion Perrins with Kathie Blankley and who won the previous race again sailed brilliantly and were catching the lead boat. Meanwhile “Attitude” an Adams Offshore 10.6 skippered by Simon Byrne and sailing her second race of the series reefed her main and overtook “North Star” near the finishing line at Caseys Beach.
Above: the winner of Race 6 “Eirene” skippered by John McCloskey.
The average time for the race was one and a half hours being twice as quick as the previous race sailed in light winds. The day’s conditions provided exhilarating sailing for the crews.
The final placings : “ 1. Eirene; 2. Ghoster; 3. Attitude; 4. North Star
and DNF – Horizon; Charlie Barr 111; Xanthia”.
Next race is on 21 July with a pre-race Briefing at the Batemans Bay Marina at 10am.
Crew availability . People wanting to crew are to attend the Briefing when a position will be allocated on a boat if available.
Boat entry for a single race is available and visiting skippers and crew are most welcome. For further details please go to www.bbsc.org.au.
