Richmond Summer Series: Race 5 Numbawan

After a full-on day in the office - and only just holding onto the concept that it was Wednesday even... we headed out for our evening on the Waitemata Harbour, a crew of three, with Tim in the US and Blair doing mates duty on land.

First Podium Finish

Three crew and high expectations - we had built confidence in the last race with a good start and a solid showing - BUT THIS WEEK we really did mix it up well - with help from the conditions and the decision to shorten and finish at Orakei, we made the podium - in 1st place. Hello.

The Crew

John (Captain), Nicola (part-time helm), Ian (can I say Poleman?).

We had a couple of people down so we were very focused. I handed the tiller over to Nicola on the way down to Rough Rock Buoy and took on the headsail trimming as we tried to hang on to the fleet.

Course 9

Down to Rough Rock Buoy, Orakei, Resolution and home was the course. The race was shortened, finishing at the Orakei mark. We saw the flags up on the committee boat and after a quick look at the sailing instructions determined that the race closed between the mark and Jan Marie. We looked again... really? It seemed a strange command, but it was clear from the flags... we headed for the mark on our fastest course, instead of trying to lay through to Resolution.

The Start

We approached on starboard and sailed slowly to the mark. Timing was good and we could have accelerated a bit more - hitting the line again about mid fleet but not as up-to-speed as we would like. But, I say we could do better - it was probably our best start todate.

Progress

Down on the north side of the harbour, optimising the breeze and trying to get out of the current, we hung on well. Nicola took the tiller and I played with the headsail - there was breeze but we were still using leeward weight to keep the sails full. We also cranked up the topping lift on the boom to open up the leech on the main, and that gave us a better shape.

Rounding Rough Rock Buoy we had been passed by Blackstar and they were pointing higher and closer to the mark. We decided to tack, going up towards North Head with the tide, and have a better run at Orakei - it worked, and we reached Orakei ahead.

The Result

Numbawan. When the results were being read out Commodore Rodney announced "E Division, no extras... 1st on handicap Kerkira"... pause... I am thinking "what did he say??" "Kerkira" I looked across and he was looking at me - O.M.G. I couldn't believe it I almost staggered to get the prize - I couldn't walk. Sounds ridiculous, but the first time was quite a shock. All credit to us, eh!



The result at the Clubhouse - AWESOME.

And one of the skippers prizes to John, Kerkira (a vinyl repair kit).
We'll be wanting the hull clean ;-)

Cheers
JHS