This week I spent some time interstate with work and it came as a shock that the rest of Australia is indeed experiencing a phenomenon known as “Summer.” Unfortunately, once again we had to lower our weather expectations and 18 boats headed to the start for the Blairgowrie destination race in grey skies, fresh winds and lumpy seas. Division 3 boats headed off first on a slightly shorter course to R1 followed by Division 1 & 2 who headed for the East Cardinal Marker. From the radio chatter following the Division 1 & 2 start I think we know that a rule book is the Christmas list for Obsession.
Boats heading to R1 soon split into 2 groups either side of the mussel farm. The general consensus of the Div. 3 boats was that apart from one short reach, the wind settled into a position roughly dead ahead of where ever we needed to sail. With lots of windward work the Division 3 boats stayed relatively bunched, with the exception of Zip who cleared off, reaching the finish at Blairgowrie well ahead of the rest of the fleet. Whilst crew of Zip were relaxing at BYS the rest of the MYC fleet finished as a procession of sails stretching down the Sorrento Channel.
It’s always interesting sailing in the southern areas of Port Phillip such as Blairgowrie where tide, sandbars, and commercial shipping have to be considered as part of every race. It makes you appreciate the truly amazing sailing conditions we have at our club. Deep water, little to no tide to worry about and no shipping within miles. Truly the best sailing on the bay.
A smaller group than last year attended dinner at the BYS, with many boats choosing to return to Mornington for Christmas functions (maybe something to consider in next year’s race schedule). Those crews that decided to stay on enjoyed a great night, where most world problems were solved over a few bottles of red and some scribbles on the back of drink coasters. Pity the coasters were thrown out, and with them so many great ideas.
Line Honours
Division 1 : Javelin: Mark Nicholson
Division 2 : YT2: Stuart Gooley
Division 3 : Zip: S.Shafer & C.Ferris
Handicap Results
Division 1
- Javelin: Mark Nicholson
- Anna: Roly & Andrew de Lange
- Seduction: Richard Nichols
Division 2
- Beau Ciel: Alison & Terry Clough
- YT2: Stuart Gooley
- Friday Harbour: Kon Cili
Division 3
- Zip : S.Shafer & C.Ferris
- Tub Thumper: G. Heard & A. Creed
- Messin About: Paul Copeland
AMS Results
Division 1
- Javelin : Mark Nicholson
- Seduction: Richard Nichols
- Morticia: B.McDonald, R.Kurz & G.Alexander
Division 2
- YT2: Stuart Gooley
- Wingara: John Hall
- One-4-One: Alan Clark
CBH Results
Division 3
- Zip : S.Shafer & C.Ferris
- Magic Pudding : Phillip Mannes
- Tub Thumper: G. Heard & A. Creed
Div 3- Class Captain