May 4, 2014
Attached are the results of the CYAA (Vic) 2014 Winter Series Race 1 plus the Series Aggregate status and the Marie Louise III Consistency Trophy status.
With 20 knots of wind strength from the West and big leftover seas for the previous evening gale , the Classic Fleet of 11 vessels went for the line in a reaching start to the 2014 Winter Series. After closely watched pre start evolutions on both sides of start line, Mercedes III showed the fleet which way to go with a well timed start.
Mercedes III on the run to mark R4 after her on the button start Race 1 May 4 2014
On the run down to the RMYS D Mark Mercedes III under a #3 head sail was losing ground to a group headed up by Serifa fighting off, Avian, Snow Goose, Martini, Zephyr and Bungoona. At that part of the race it was between Serifa and Bungoona to take out 1st on corrected time, both racing well above their handicap.
But after the RMYS D mark rounding that pegging back of Mercedes III didn’t last. Mercedes III showed her class by stepping up the tempo and making the Port of Melbourne 79 mark in one tack. Not to be out done, Fair Winds II recovered from her hard fought reach to beat past the fleet on the return leg to Port of Melbourne Mark 79. Analysing the overall elapsed time of Scimitar, on her welcome return to Classic Yacht racing, with her handling of the big slop on her long after start beat, indicated the handicapper needs to pay closer attention to her. Same applies to Corio Vertue. Her overall result reflects her additional on course elapsed time but definitely not her performance capability. The HBYC crash boat had trouble keeping up with her at one stage.
Corio Vertue with the Port Phillip bit between her teeth Race 1 May 4 2014
Looking over the corrected time results indicates tight racing for the first 7 placings was the word. Except for some extra on course elapsed time, Zephyr would have been in this mix along with Fair Winds II who had to battle some difficult reaching conditions. Scimitar, with that brilliant mast of hers, was unlucky not to be mix and the same goes to Corio Vertue. A well deserved 1st on corrected time and line honours goes to Martin Ryan’s Mercedes III and his hard at work crew.
One of today’s fleet not mentioned so far is the Tumlare` Ettrick. We leave the best to last. While watching the handling performance of all the Tumlare`s in the heavy sea conditions which showed why they were selected as the design best for Port Phillip, you would think the sail of the day would be awarded to the Tum Fleet. Rightly so. But the standout performer of the Tum Fleet was Ettrick. A lot of work was happening in her. With every roll and push from the heavy seas, her headsail trim was worked constantly and her Gybe performance at the RMYS D Mark was spot on. The main over and the headsail tight, ready for the beat The sail of the day must go to Gordon Tait and his crew on Ettrick with their well placed and deserved third placing. Through her many years racing of with the Classics, Ettrick has shown her class with the 2001/2002 Summer Series win when helmed by Richard Downey and her 2013/2014 Summer Series win when helmed by Doug Jenkin. Unfortunately for Ettrick, the handicapper, who was riding the HBYC Crash boat, saw all this.
All up, although the race was shortened, it was a well enjoyed race by all the skippers and crews. The sad part of the day was knowing local conditions prevented Trim and Renene making the sail up from Sandringham to race. The same thoughts go to Richard MacRae and Greg Hyne who bought Claire out to race but made the correct and brave decision to race another day. The fleet missed their company. As well the Race 1 Fleet also missed the company of those other Race 1 entrants who couldn’t make the start.
A special thanks to George Low who bought the Tumlare` Snow Goose out of the RMYS Harbour in local heavy conditions to race with the Classic Fleet. After the race she presented a lonely sight. All alone in the heavy slop making her way back home.
The after race commencement day BBQ went off with great fun. Under the control of Roger Dundas and Anne Batson, the turning tongs were given a good work out. Besides the Donati sausages and burgers the Classic fleet skippers and crew were given a treat with the presentation by Karen Batson of the best tasting ever fried onions prepared for us by her staff at the Cookie Thai Restaurant and Beer Hall.
To finish the day off, the recently inscribed Locker 57 Summer Series trophy noting Ettrick took out the recent series was presented to Doug Jenkin. The Trophy resides in the RYCV Trophy Cabinet.
Next race, May 18, will be conducted for the Association by the RYCV. Doug Jenkin reports that all being well with the preparation schedule we should be in for a treat. Bluejacket will receive a christening from her previous owners wife, Jan Chalmers, and will be declared ready to take the fleet on. A big event for Bluejacket and Classic Yacht Fleet.
Regards to all
Peter Costolloe
CYAA (Vic) Handicapper
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