William_H
Well-known member
Just a bit of a blog for my friends suffering winter. No it is not always sweet on Swan River. Last Sunday afternoon despite Strong Wind Warning from met crew were keen to give it a go. After 3 weeks of starvation no sailing. I half expected club to cancel. But in the end 7 boats went out. RC Saing went out but did not start. (too sensible) 2 boats pulled out mid race. They carried motors so were able to motor home. Not me no motor. There was however a support boat in attendance with photographer Sam James on board. Thanks Sam
A pursuit start Chris with his half cat half monhull 22fter got away 5 minutes ahead of me. Tony with his lovely 32ft Cole fin keel at same time as me.
Set off with no 4 hank on jib and one reef. Kept spinnaker put away. Seemed to go OK kept up with Tony in 32fter for first 40 minutes or so when he finally go away from us. Wind was 25 knots gusting 30. A fair bit of reaching in first part. Little boat went well I saw over 8kts with huge stern wave.
Reached leeward mark with a wild gybe around the buoy. I think that is when the shackle on the vang let go. No problem. Closer each back to another leeward mark where mercifully race offier called for shorten course. ie go straight home. A beat back to club. My friend Chris had found it all too much for his boat and pulled down his jib. He was left behind on the windward bash without a jib. Got home 6 minutes ahead of Chris and 6 minutes behind Tony after 1.5 hrs. Weather was pleasant 25 after a week of heat wave (37+) looks like another heat wave this weekend. Note to self carry lots of iced water.
Anyway so good to get home and off the boat. A bit pleased we did so well considering winds. Wish I had put in that second reef. Main was flapping a fair bit. Crew loved it. Coming Sunday forecast 39 max so probably light winds. She goes well in the light winds compared to that 32fter. I have been down to give her an extra in water scrub for Sunday.
Sorry I know it is far from the sailing of many of my friends. But hopefully help you look forward to summer. ol'will
A pursuit start Chris with his half cat half monhull 22fter got away 5 minutes ahead of me. Tony with his lovely 32ft Cole fin keel at same time as me.
Set off with no 4 hank on jib and one reef. Kept spinnaker put away. Seemed to go OK kept up with Tony in 32fter for first 40 minutes or so when he finally go away from us. Wind was 25 knots gusting 30. A fair bit of reaching in first part. Little boat went well I saw over 8kts with huge stern wave.
Reached leeward mark with a wild gybe around the buoy. I think that is when the shackle on the vang let go. No problem. Closer each back to another leeward mark where mercifully race offier called for shorten course. ie go straight home. A beat back to club. My friend Chris had found it all too much for his boat and pulled down his jib. He was left behind on the windward bash without a jib. Got home 6 minutes ahead of Chris and 6 minutes behind Tony after 1.5 hrs. Weather was pleasant 25 after a week of heat wave (37+) looks like another heat wave this weekend. Note to self carry lots of iced water.
Anyway so good to get home and off the boat. A bit pleased we did so well considering winds. Wish I had put in that second reef. Main was flapping a fair bit. Crew loved it. Coming Sunday forecast 39 max so probably light winds. She goes well in the light winds compared to that 32fter. I have been down to give her an extra in water scrub for Sunday.
Sorry I know it is far from the sailing of many of my friends. But hopefully help you look forward to summer. ol'will
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