Richmond Summer Series: Race 1: First Night Out

After years of crewing I decided it was time to get more out of my boat, and that would be to go out in the Richmond Summer Series with a few friends.

Kerkira, a Lotus 9.2 Alan Wright designed cruiser has not to my knowledge been raced before - and is not really set up for fine tweaking of the rig. Having said that, it will take us a while before we come anywhere near having that hold us back. Sailing in the No Extras (Divn F). All credit to the crew on day one...

Course 2

The wind was from the south west at 15-20 knots, and quite a big tide was charging out of the harbour. Course 2 heads straight down to Northern Leading Bouy, which was with wind and tide, and then back via Rough Rock, Resolution and Stanley Point. That meant a slog home, in the rain, with an outgoing tide.

The Crew

John (Skipper), Dave, Nicola and Ian.

The Start

I didn't have my timing in order, and when we came to start, I was planning to stay behind and just follow - however, I was sure that the gun had gone, and we headed for the first mark. Then another gun and then 2 more...ooops - first start a complete shambles! I must take full responsibility for the cockup. We were, as planned, behind the fleet... only quite a bit further behind than expected!

Next week: Assign a crew member to be the official timer.

Progress

We managed to maintain our position throughout the race, although we did catch up a bit by the end. The race officially ended at 9:00PM and we had just over a minute up our sleeves - easy really... Should I mention that I was going to go to Orakei? Oh Resolution!! It took us some time to get passed the dockyards as we took 2 steps forward and 1 back all the way up the harbour - however, we got in some good tacking practice (in the dark) until the crew work was working well - to be put to the test in the next outing.

Dave dropping the sheet, Nicola tailing and Ian grinding - John getting quickly through and then coming up to wind in sync with the sail trim.

The Result

The result on the water not 'enviable' although you could say we were working on the handicap... but the result in the clubrooms afterwards was astounding! Ian picked up the crew prize of a bag of goodies, and I got the sail prize which was a hull clean from Salt Services. Not too bad a start to the season.

We just have to improve on the water now! I am really looking forward to the next one. Looks like the wind will be tending northerly at 15 knots, with the possibility of a shower, all crew have indicated they are coming back!!! [Obviously I didn't shout enough].