Richmond Summer Series 2011 Race 1

The summer sailing season is upon us, and the first race of the Richmond Yacht Club Wednesday night racing got underway on a beatiful evening, with a light breeze from he South. Traditionally the first and last races of the summer season end in the dark, and even with the switching of daylight saving, it was dark before we got back o the club-house.

The Crew

John (Captain), Tim, Ian and Mark. Nicola was not available, but would have been excited to have pipped Blackstar on the line after chasing them up the harbour in the fading light.

Course 8

For our first race around the harbour, we were sent to Rough Rock Buoy, Been Rock Buoy, Resolution and home. And we did all the marks in that order ;-)

The Start

The favoured end was the box end so we headed down that way, and were right on the gun. Very pleased with our start we headed down the harbour with the fleet, and probably suffered a little due to the city buildings affecting our wind. We did catch and pass Capricho before heading across towards North Head and around to our first rounding.

Progress

We headed down the right side of the harbour looking for the right opportunity to get a bit of breeze and get back across the harbour. Ian got the pole out and we goose-winged towards Rough Rock Buoy, hoping to catch Blackstar - but they managed to round before us. Hard on the wind and a couple of tacks to Bean Rock Buoy and then as it started to get dark, vaguely towards Resolution. That was when we realised that two of the boats nearest us had made mistakes in their roundings. And the wind started to go light - handicappping us further as we were further down the course from the finish. Anyway, through perserverence we caught Blackstar and passed them 5 minutes from the line.

The Result

Out of the fleet of 15 we were 13. I guess our decision to go right and the easing breeze cost us. And we were unable to score at the club-house either... but what a great night - what would you rather be doing than sailing up and down the Waitemata Harbour on a lovely Wednesday night!