And the winner is: us!
Div 1 IRC
1. This Way UP
2. Archimedes
3 knee deep
4 circa
5 WOW
YAH
1 Archimedes
2.This Way UP
3 WOW
4 circa
5 knee deep
Overall winner This Way Up, 3 flags, another 3 trophies for the cabinet and most importantly 5 bottle s of the good stuff.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Dec 13 - Hugel Passage Race
Perfect sailing conditions, great course, good crew, 13-17 knots of breeze, nice kite runs, still raving about it, fantastic day. Loved it. Ah almost as good as……….sour snakes !
It’s great to be back on board even if only one and a half arms. This would have to rate as one of the better days of sail that sits in my memory banks. And what more it was around Rotto with no swell and clear skies.
The day started with a light easterly that took us to shore and a big hole. We managed to float around graciously with the lead changing hand several times between us , wideside, knee deep with each little puff that came through. By 11 am the sea breeze was in and off we were all racing towards the Hugel day bouy. Knee Deep from the north us from the east and wideside in between. Knee deep got there first with wildside in hot pursuit and us not far behind. A good lift before the mark let us avoid a tack with rocks just to the north of us. I even heard a whoop whoop alarm from the RO at one stage when the sea gulls could be seen standing just in front of us, but the navigator held his nerve and we missed by many thousands of millimeters to reach the lay line to the mark.
A two sail reach then gave the bigger boats the edge to the corner of rotto, but not so simple as many hundreds of cray pots with some of the longest lines you can imagine. It became a test of skill picking a line through the minefield but we somehow managed to evade the clutch of evil floats and rope from the dreaded cray fishermen and live to tell another tale.
Kites up and with a change of gear to zip around the back of Rotto . Alas now to dodge the dive boats that were lined up in near perfect diving conditions. Diver below flags skattered around meant we had to weave our way , whilst maintaining the required distance and listening for any unusual thumps from the keel. Weaving in and out fo the reefs, (some a little closer than I let the rest of the crew now about) then a textbook peel to the red kite ready for a shy run across to fairway. 90 apparent just as we like it.
The 2 boats behind tried in vain to keep up but on our preferred angle it was always going to be a difficult fight. The Archimbald dropped their kite and were soon caught up only to put up a smaller kite that keep them in the fight.
Around fairway and the angle was perfect straight upwind to the 11 metre mark on one tack but into what was now becoming a 1 metre seabreeze wave. This slowed us a little but not for long. Around the mark and another great kite run to hall bank, zip around and hard on to north mole, and our favourite , the 90 apparent run to the finish.
Awesome day, Now for the results.......................stayed tuned.
Nav for now.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Roland Smith & Gordan Craig Race
After a Glamour delivery trip to Fremantle doing 13.5 knots through Challenger passage with a beer in hand and four on board we had a race from Freo to Rockingham on the Saturday and back again on Sunday.
The Roland Smith Race on Saturday started out in good pressure with a big pin end biased, we had The Next Factor and Steel de Breeze up there we chose to go for clear air hit the line on starboard get to the left side of the coarse and flop over which we did and went around not far behind The Next Factor and with the remainder of the fleet. The breeze then started to swing south and lighten off which is usual on the WA coast. We carried the kite heading south and slowely bent around with it and turned out to be 2nd around this buoy behind The Next Factor who took off in the light stuff but in front of the remaining 40 - 60 footers. we then had a 4.5 mile leg south at a time where the breeze was transitioning from the SE to the SW seabreeze and after crossing tacks with Wild Side (Inglis 58) and Knee Deep (Farr 49) we had to let them go as Water Line Length wins. All the boats making there intentions clear The Next Factor and Ourselves went out as far as we could go until the rocks got in the way hoping for the seabreeze and the remainder of te fleet staying next to the channel trying to stay in the South Easterly. The boats out to sea got it right and came in on a nice board at the Green number 10 Channel Mark doing 6 - 7 knots whilst the boats in closer were still stuck and we actually got back inside Walk on the Wild Side for a bit (It is not often a 36 footer goes past a 60 footer in 1 race). Unfortuanly due to The Next Factor's better power to weight ratio they pulled ahead and got out to about 8 minutes in front on IRC. We had a beat out The lead marker and then we got let back in as Next Factor did not put a kite up till later on down to Jervious Bay and we did the whole way which was an excellent angle. We went arount Jervious Bay in 4 th position still infront of Wild One a 50 footer and Steele de Breeze a 40 footer. We showed some excellent height & pace during the next 6 mile beat and Wild One rounded a minute or so in front and Steele de Breeze still behind us by about a minute. In the next run the big boats powered away however we still managed to hold on to Steel de Breeze coming into the closing stages of the race the final 4 mile beat and lap down rockingham beach we worked hard to stay with them after making a slight gain up hill on Steel de Breeze we wanted nothing else but to knock them off over the line. Unfortunatly this did not happen however the got 2nd on IRC by 4 minutes and 48 seconds and won on YAH. It should be noted that the next boat on IRC was over 20 minutes behind us.
Sunday arose for the Gordan Craig and so did a few hangover's (Ben, coming on as guest Bowmen and Adam) we had a relaxing morning and eventually motored out to the start line with Ben's head over the side of the boat with the Hangover. After a delayed start we had an excellent start at the pin end however eventually The Next Factor started gassing over so we flopped over and so did they. So back we went again and showed excellent pace rounding with the big boats again (oh, how fun it is to play with boats up to 20 foot bigger than you) we then had a kite ride in building pressure to the other side of rockingham and stayed with these boats through this sailing an excellent angle and all the other boats sailing to high early. We then had a sail the beach crossing tacks with Wild Side and by the time we got to the last mak on the beach we were in great position. With a 4 mile kite ride up Cockburn Sound and then 3 mile back toward rockingham we tried to hang on for as long as we could and then up to Jervoise Bay it was then up the Cockburn Channel the boat was being sailed well with John doing exceptionally well making a guest appearance up on mast. Once out at the Channel we new we were in with a chance on IRC. it was a lovely angle for this 5 mile ride with top speed about 12 knots. Adam (Odam) was sitting there on B looking at the angle as his calculations were showing the leg with the red kite was going to be an awesome angle with maybe a little bit on. The other boats were dropping kites which I could not understand however eventually Bad Habbits went around from Div 2 (They sailed a shorter course) with there big kite) This finalised the decision that we gybe the red kite we had up. Well what a choice that was we the last run into the finish line we were sitting consistantly above 11.5 knots and a Top Speed of 13.5 knots to the instruments went into there funny mood. Bugs had his lucky red hat on, Ben was being his usual self although it was funny when he was having a leak off the back whilst we were doing 13 knots and yells out how fast we are doing. This was a fantastic way to end the day and we are in the money for a good result.
The Roland Smith Race on Saturday started out in good pressure with a big pin end biased, we had The Next Factor and Steel de Breeze up there we chose to go for clear air hit the line on starboard get to the left side of the coarse and flop over which we did and went around not far behind The Next Factor and with the remainder of the fleet. The breeze then started to swing south and lighten off which is usual on the WA coast. We carried the kite heading south and slowely bent around with it and turned out to be 2nd around this buoy behind The Next Factor who took off in the light stuff but in front of the remaining 40 - 60 footers. we then had a 4.5 mile leg south at a time where the breeze was transitioning from the SE to the SW seabreeze and after crossing tacks with Wild Side (Inglis 58) and Knee Deep (Farr 49) we had to let them go as Water Line Length wins. All the boats making there intentions clear The Next Factor and Ourselves went out as far as we could go until the rocks got in the way hoping for the seabreeze and the remainder of te fleet staying next to the channel trying to stay in the South Easterly. The boats out to sea got it right and came in on a nice board at the Green number 10 Channel Mark doing 6 - 7 knots whilst the boats in closer were still stuck and we actually got back inside Walk on the Wild Side for a bit (It is not often a 36 footer goes past a 60 footer in 1 race). Unfortuanly due to The Next Factor's better power to weight ratio they pulled ahead and got out to about 8 minutes in front on IRC. We had a beat out The lead marker and then we got let back in as Next Factor did not put a kite up till later on down to Jervious Bay and we did the whole way which was an excellent angle. We went arount Jervious Bay in 4 th position still infront of Wild One a 50 footer and Steele de Breeze a 40 footer. We showed some excellent height & pace during the next 6 mile beat and Wild One rounded a minute or so in front and Steele de Breeze still behind us by about a minute. In the next run the big boats powered away however we still managed to hold on to Steel de Breeze coming into the closing stages of the race the final 4 mile beat and lap down rockingham beach we worked hard to stay with them after making a slight gain up hill on Steel de Breeze we wanted nothing else but to knock them off over the line. Unfortunatly this did not happen however the got 2nd on IRC by 4 minutes and 48 seconds and won on YAH. It should be noted that the next boat on IRC was over 20 minutes behind us.
Sunday arose for the Gordan Craig and so did a few hangover's (Ben, coming on as guest Bowmen and Adam) we had a relaxing morning and eventually motored out to the start line with Ben's head over the side of the boat with the Hangover. After a delayed start we had an excellent start at the pin end however eventually The Next Factor started gassing over so we flopped over and so did they. So back we went again and showed excellent pace rounding with the big boats again (oh, how fun it is to play with boats up to 20 foot bigger than you) we then had a kite ride in building pressure to the other side of rockingham and stayed with these boats through this sailing an excellent angle and all the other boats sailing to high early. We then had a sail the beach crossing tacks with Wild Side and by the time we got to the last mak on the beach we were in great position. With a 4 mile kite ride up Cockburn Sound and then 3 mile back toward rockingham we tried to hang on for as long as we could and then up to Jervoise Bay it was then up the Cockburn Channel the boat was being sailed well with John doing exceptionally well making a guest appearance up on mast. Once out at the Channel we new we were in with a chance on IRC. it was a lovely angle for this 5 mile ride with top speed about 12 knots. Adam (Odam) was sitting there on B looking at the angle as his calculations were showing the leg with the red kite was going to be an awesome angle with maybe a little bit on. The other boats were dropping kites which I could not understand however eventually Bad Habbits went around from Div 2 (They sailed a shorter course) with there big kite) This finalised the decision that we gybe the red kite we had up. Well what a choice that was we the last run into the finish line we were sitting consistantly above 11.5 knots and a Top Speed of 13.5 knots to the instruments went into there funny mood. Bugs had his lucky red hat on, Ben was being his usual self although it was funny when he was having a leak off the back whilst we were doing 13 knots and yells out how fast we are doing. This was a fantastic way to end the day and we are in the money for a good result.
MOFSC Club Race - 29th November 2008
No offshore racing so we went out for a Club Race at Mandurah with a bit of a different crew, with Adam on Bow and then Adrian making a Guest Appearance as Drinktician. The event was a Handicap Start where we were the scratch boat giving Without Fear 2 minutes, Fairy Tern 6 Minutes, Bird on a Wire 7 Minutes, and the rest had done a few legs by the time we started. We had a great start, great boat speed and got on the right side of a few shifts (without bugs). First Kite leg had us overtaking fear and chasing the next bunch all with a bear in hand. We continued chasing hard and by the end of the first sausage we had the lead (Yes this was just over half way through the race). We continued drinking, having a good time and ended up Taking Line Honours by 9 Minutes over Withour Fear, and a Handicap Win by nearly 7 minutes. The day ended fantastically when we had a couple of dolphins following us and playing with the bow the whole last leg across the finish line.
NAv - not to mention we managed to demolished a carton of beer with very little effort!
NAv - not to mention we managed to demolished a carton of beer with very little effort!
2008 Club Marine Harbour Race
Well we knew we had a good handicap and were in with a shot. We had an excellent start and hit the startline about 2 seconds late, by the bottom mark we had overtaken Fairy Tern (Fellow Mandurah Boat) who started 2 minutes in front of us with a good first lap we had already dragged ahead of some of the smaller boats and pulled away from X Factor and Dark Energy who started just behind us. At the end of the second lap sitting about 5th we had an altercation with the S97 Wyuna 2 who took us to the wrong side of a mark causing us to drop the kite and sail back at the mark, they had basically broken every rule in the book and destroyed our chances of winning. The crew were fairly annoyed with this but we got moving again and started chasing boats down again showing great boat speed and excellent crew work. Adrian our injured crew member did state there were 4 boats out there with good crewwork being Optimus Prime (Marten 49), Knee Deep, The Next Factor and us, which is great as it shows we are as good as the front runners in our division. All in all we still had an enjoyable day and will not speak about the delivery to Mandurah that evening.
Nav would like to add that it was a fantasic race to watch and the boys would have most likely won this race if not for Wyuna!!
Nav would like to add that it was a fantasic race to watch and the boys would have most likely won this race if not for Wyuna!!
Coventry reef
Coventry Reef Race
Unfortunatly this turned out to be not so successful and again the conditions made it tough for a small boat. The forcast early in the week had us getting down to Coventrys in a 25 knot North Wester but this changed everyday and once the morning came it was very light. After a good beat to the Day Buoy we went arround in our usual position with the top half of the fleet. We had the small kite hooked up ready to go up if it allowed however we got to good for ourselves and by the time Bugs and Naviguessor had a look it was to shy (although it was an excellent kite hoist boys). This cost us a bit as we were heading at Garden Island instead of Rotto, however we did get in to clear air and rounded with the remaining boats of our size. Up next was a 17 mile run to coventrys with the breeze forcasted to go around from the North to North West. With Bugs wanting to go one way and Adam the other a few words were said and it was decided that we would work our way out to sea hoping for the pressure to come through. Well it did and on our final gybe we had a 30 degree shift and we were back aiming at Garden Island instead of coventrys, We crossed behind all of Div 1 and even a couple of div 2. Adam being himself let bugs know that we were the wrong side of the course however we took it on our chin and had to work hard.
We went around coventrys in about 15 knots NNNW breeze and plugged away and could see a black clound appearing knowing pressure was coming so a change in the head sail to the 3 we started recording 30 knots and above and then we heard a bang and the Fractional Kite Halyard being used for the head sail at the time snapped Simon and Adam were up on the bow in a hurry and we had it back up in about 30 seconds so an excellent recovery all around. We plugged away and after going into the beach an excellent lift was picked up. The breeze dropped quickly back to 10 - 12 knots for the remainder of the day which left the big boats with all the placings. We worked hard to get in front of the Longboat, Addrenalin Rush, Slipstream, Archimedes and Circa and then let Slipstream back through although we were quite happy with our trip back to get to where we were.
Unfortunatly this turned out to be not so successful and again the conditions made it tough for a small boat. The forcast early in the week had us getting down to Coventrys in a 25 knot North Wester but this changed everyday and once the morning came it was very light. After a good beat to the Day Buoy we went arround in our usual position with the top half of the fleet. We had the small kite hooked up ready to go up if it allowed however we got to good for ourselves and by the time Bugs and Naviguessor had a look it was to shy (although it was an excellent kite hoist boys). This cost us a bit as we were heading at Garden Island instead of Rotto, however we did get in to clear air and rounded with the remaining boats of our size. Up next was a 17 mile run to coventrys with the breeze forcasted to go around from the North to North West. With Bugs wanting to go one way and Adam the other a few words were said and it was decided that we would work our way out to sea hoping for the pressure to come through. Well it did and on our final gybe we had a 30 degree shift and we were back aiming at Garden Island instead of coventrys, We crossed behind all of Div 1 and even a couple of div 2. Adam being himself let bugs know that we were the wrong side of the course however we took it on our chin and had to work hard.
We went around coventrys in about 15 knots NNNW breeze and plugged away and could see a black clound appearing knowing pressure was coming so a change in the head sail to the 3 we started recording 30 knots and above and then we heard a bang and the Fractional Kite Halyard being used for the head sail at the time snapped Simon and Adam were up on the bow in a hurry and we had it back up in about 30 seconds so an excellent recovery all around. We plugged away and after going into the beach an excellent lift was picked up. The breeze dropped quickly back to 10 - 12 knots for the remainder of the day which left the big boats with all the placings. We worked hard to get in front of the Longboat, Addrenalin Rush, Slipstream, Archimedes and Circa and then let Slipstream back through although we were quite happy with our trip back to get to where we were.
sheperds cup
With Naviguessor Adrian still off the boat and houseduties due to injury Naviguessor in Leiu Adam (Odam) has provided a report on the previous few Races.
Mariners & Sheperdess Cup
The Mariners Cup on the Saturday started out in light conditions and TWU was in its usual position fighting with the big boats for the first couple of legs. The Next Factor got a jump in the light conditions and rounded Stanton in first position with ourselves going around with Steel de Breeze and Hgh Anxiety with a 3 mile kite ride we held our position well with Bugs putting the boat in great position. With the breeze slowly building we new we were in with a chance and as we turned north at Eastern Windmills our rough timing put us close to The Next Factor. The next 14 nm were downhill running not our favourite conditions so we worked hard however Cruise Control were catching with there symetric spinnakers. At the end of the day it was close with us just getting pipped on IRC by 42 seconds by The Next Factor and on YAH we were 2nd 48 seconds behind Adrenalin Rush.
The race back started in fresh conditions due to swing south and lighten a bit, so this was always going to be hard work on a small boat. We had a good couple of legs and rounded Fairway with Steel De Breeze and had our time on the fleet with Adrenalin Rush about 3 minutes behind. The next leg hurt us a 3.5 mile two sail reach with a breeze that had dropped a couple of knots. Steel De Breeze used its Waterline length to extend along with the remaining big boats. At then end of the day although we sailed well we only received a 4th on IRC behing OP, Knee Deep and The Next Factor and 5th on YAH.
Mariners & Sheperdess Cup
The Mariners Cup on the Saturday started out in light conditions and TWU was in its usual position fighting with the big boats for the first couple of legs. The Next Factor got a jump in the light conditions and rounded Stanton in first position with ourselves going around with Steel de Breeze and Hgh Anxiety with a 3 mile kite ride we held our position well with Bugs putting the boat in great position. With the breeze slowly building we new we were in with a chance and as we turned north at Eastern Windmills our rough timing put us close to The Next Factor. The next 14 nm were downhill running not our favourite conditions so we worked hard however Cruise Control were catching with there symetric spinnakers. At the end of the day it was close with us just getting pipped on IRC by 42 seconds by The Next Factor and on YAH we were 2nd 48 seconds behind Adrenalin Rush.
The race back started in fresh conditions due to swing south and lighten a bit, so this was always going to be hard work on a small boat. We had a good couple of legs and rounded Fairway with Steel De Breeze and had our time on the fleet with Adrenalin Rush about 3 minutes behind. The next leg hurt us a 3.5 mile two sail reach with a breeze that had dropped a couple of knots. Steel De Breeze used its Waterline length to extend along with the remaining big boats. At then end of the day although we sailed well we only received a 4th on IRC behing OP, Knee Deep and The Next Factor and 5th on YAH.
Geraldton race
Well if you haven’t figured it out by now it’s been awfully quiet on the website.
Why , well its kind of a long story and yes it does have something to do with yachts. It all started with the Gero race. Lets see how we go:
Perth to Geralton Oct 17th
The race started in picturesque conditions in 10-15 knot breezes and well pretty much continued until we reached geraldton. Put the kite up at Rotto and 2 gibes later and we were in Gero. The weather was great with a following breeze. We arrived at 615pm Approx 240 miles and 29 hours from Freo to geraldton. Excellent sail and lots of fun was had. Lots and lots of whales everywhere on the trip no issues and very non eventful, just a good sail.
Unfortunately it was a wind right up our tail and this meant that it favoured the boats with symmetrical kites so we didn’t rate that highly in the results but never mind it was good experience and good fun .
Geraldton to Freo Oct 24th
Now this where it starts to get interesting.
We started on in the middle of a big NW change with 20 knots breezes on the nose as we sailed out of Gero harbor. However this was short lived and as soon as we were out of the harbor we headed south yippee. As the bigger yachts were reaching we decided that if we were to have any chance of rating we should hoist a kite and go for it. Which we did. Screaming along quite well until we blew out the kite. All that was left was the luff and leach tapes. Not that major and has since been repaired by our trusty sailmakers on board. It now has a sleek new white stripe.
The wind went west and so we continued to reach at speeds of around 10-15 knots side on to the waves pattern and the skipper had one hell of a grin on his face. At one time we look back and two dolphins were in our wake trying to keep up leaping up to 10 feet out of the water, when just then a whale leaps out from where we were 20 seconds before, in between the dolphins absolutely awesome. Ben ( a borrowed crewman) was on with us and we were sat on the side getting pounded when a wave picked him up threw him 6 feet only toland on the other side of the boat with a massive bang. One crewman down and out. Ben was sent below and not seen again.
Anyway screaming along and the wind starts to strengthen, by this stage our instruments died due to water getting in through the head(loo). Later other boats say it got as high as 50 knots , but anyway we couldn’t carry the main with a number 4 jib. It was about midnight about 20 miles west of jurien bay in deep water. Three guys up the front pulling down the main and I was at the back trying to stop it flogging to death when wham, we got hit by a wave and next thing I know is that I’m lying on the deck. I pick myself up only to find that one arm is not quite right. Its hanging about 6 inches lower than normal and well just didn’t work anymore. Damn. I realized right away that I had dislocated my shoulder. Bill was on the main so I wandered over and asked him if he would kindly pull if back into place, but no it wasn’t going to play. Naviguessers race was over and I went below to sulk.
12 hours later the guys decided to do the humain thing and withdraw from the race and pull into hillarys to get us to a hospital. We had a greeting party of the local sea rescue and a waiting ambulance and news crews. We made the 6 oclock news on 2 channels.
Ben had a dislocated hip and is pretty much okay.
Me well I can type again but it will still be some time. Fractured and dislocated my shoulder and tore some ligaments. Still waiting on the final wash out some 2 months later. The fracture has healed and the dislocation is better but lots of physio and still bloody sore.
Hence the website has suffered a bit but hopefully now back to normal.
Great race to gero nevertheless. 5 boats broke the race record o the return journey. Have never had 2 downwind trips to and from gero.
Why , well its kind of a long story and yes it does have something to do with yachts. It all started with the Gero race. Lets see how we go:
Perth to Geralton Oct 17th
The race started in picturesque conditions in 10-15 knot breezes and well pretty much continued until we reached geraldton. Put the kite up at Rotto and 2 gibes later and we were in Gero. The weather was great with a following breeze. We arrived at 615pm Approx 240 miles and 29 hours from Freo to geraldton. Excellent sail and lots of fun was had. Lots and lots of whales everywhere on the trip no issues and very non eventful, just a good sail.
Unfortunately it was a wind right up our tail and this meant that it favoured the boats with symmetrical kites so we didn’t rate that highly in the results but never mind it was good experience and good fun .
Geraldton to Freo Oct 24th
Now this where it starts to get interesting.
We started on in the middle of a big NW change with 20 knots breezes on the nose as we sailed out of Gero harbor. However this was short lived and as soon as we were out of the harbor we headed south yippee. As the bigger yachts were reaching we decided that if we were to have any chance of rating we should hoist a kite and go for it. Which we did. Screaming along quite well until we blew out the kite. All that was left was the luff and leach tapes. Not that major and has since been repaired by our trusty sailmakers on board. It now has a sleek new white stripe.
The wind went west and so we continued to reach at speeds of around 10-15 knots side on to the waves pattern and the skipper had one hell of a grin on his face. At one time we look back and two dolphins were in our wake trying to keep up leaping up to 10 feet out of the water, when just then a whale leaps out from where we were 20 seconds before, in between the dolphins absolutely awesome. Ben ( a borrowed crewman) was on with us and we were sat on the side getting pounded when a wave picked him up threw him 6 feet only toland on the other side of the boat with a massive bang. One crewman down and out. Ben was sent below and not seen again.
Anyway screaming along and the wind starts to strengthen, by this stage our instruments died due to water getting in through the head(loo). Later other boats say it got as high as 50 knots , but anyway we couldn’t carry the main with a number 4 jib. It was about midnight about 20 miles west of jurien bay in deep water. Three guys up the front pulling down the main and I was at the back trying to stop it flogging to death when wham, we got hit by a wave and next thing I know is that I’m lying on the deck. I pick myself up only to find that one arm is not quite right. Its hanging about 6 inches lower than normal and well just didn’t work anymore. Damn. I realized right away that I had dislocated my shoulder. Bill was on the main so I wandered over and asked him if he would kindly pull if back into place, but no it wasn’t going to play. Naviguessers race was over and I went below to sulk.
12 hours later the guys decided to do the humain thing and withdraw from the race and pull into hillarys to get us to a hospital. We had a greeting party of the local sea rescue and a waiting ambulance and news crews. We made the 6 oclock news on 2 channels.
Ben had a dislocated hip and is pretty much okay.
Me well I can type again but it will still be some time. Fractured and dislocated my shoulder and tore some ligaments. Still waiting on the final wash out some 2 months later. The fracture has healed and the dislocation is better but lots of physio and still bloody sore.
Hence the website has suffered a bit but hopefully now back to normal.
Great race to gero nevertheless. 5 boats broke the race record o the return journey. Have never had 2 downwind trips to and from gero.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Naviguesser's off yacht activities
Meanwhile in between races, naviguesser and his darling wife have been keeping the nav skills in order by taking out the Mandurah time trials champion is his stink boat. Another nice little trophy. Been a big year for these! I think thats trophy number 7.
The boys have also been gearing up for racing next year with radio operators courses, formal nav courses complete, and meteorology soon to come.......
The boys have also been gearing up for racing next year with radio operators courses, formal nav courses complete, and meteorology soon to come.......
Thursday, October 23, 2008
George Law 20th Sept
The george Law Race was a bit of eye opener, apparently. Unfortunately I was a no show due to a clash with winter navigation activities. Huge swells off the back of rottnest made skippers quite wide eyed as even the bigger yachts were tossed around like rubber ducks in a bathtub.
Some narrative from the day:
"Well that’s the GEORGE LAW FOUNDATION RACE done and dusted and what a day to be racing!
I am sure everyone on board got their 20% fill at some stage during the days racing, was more a big boats race with the swell about on the day.
The X-factor managed to beat us over the line although, not too much we could do about it as they had much more rail meat then ourselves which seem to sit her nicely down.
Will need to check with the Naviguesser if Expedition has an altitude monitor as I am certain if we went any higher oxygen mast would have been dropping out of bulkheads. "
Nav to Crew: Yes it does, GPS also has altititude!
Some narrative from the day:
"Well that’s the GEORGE LAW FOUNDATION RACE done and dusted and what a day to be racing!
I am sure everyone on board got their 20% fill at some stage during the days racing, was more a big boats race with the swell about on the day.
The X-factor managed to beat us over the line although, not too much we could do about it as they had much more rail meat then ourselves which seem to sit her nicely down.
Will need to check with the Naviguesser if Expedition has an altitude monitor as I am certain if we went any higher oxygen mast would have been dropping out of bulkheads. "
Nav to Crew: Yes it does, GPS also has altititude!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Winter Series presentation
We came, we conquered, and we pillaged the trophy cabinet. Today we received the rewards of racing in the winter series. We won the IRC and consistency trophies for Division 1 and then to our surprise we were also presented with the cup to the most outstanding yacht in the winter racing program on consistency across all divisions and classes of yachts. Well that raps up the winter racing program. ................meanwhile behind the scenes scheming is underway about the next race program....Saturday, September 13, 2008
George Law Race
Guys,This is the course for the race on sat 20Sept. Click to enlarge......... Be good if this worked on everything (click to enlarge!) .
Note that of course the day bouy will depend on the wind on the day.
Happy memorizing.
Naviguessor
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Well the forecasts were a little out yesterday (expect big A he was the closest) but at least it went in the right direction more pressure instead of less.
We had winds between 12 and 17 knots on the course and boat speed upwards of 11 knots, if Southern Star had Torpedo Tubes they would have been red hot as I am sure they were frustrated as hell trying to work out what to do.
FSC ran the same course as last week so we just had to remember to do that extra leg I intentionally left of my drawing for course 6, one of those testing things to ensure all were on the ball and guess what, you were!
We had winds between 12 and 17 knots on the course and boat speed upwards of 11 knots, if Southern Star had Torpedo Tubes they would have been red hot as I am sure they were frustrated as hell trying to work out what to do.
FSC ran the same course as last week so we just had to remember to do that extra leg I intentionally left of my drawing for course 6, one of those testing things to ensure all were on the ball and guess what, you were!
Well the end of a series and it looks like we came out on top again. Well done crew, now for some serious racing with the Siska trophy series due to start soon.
A
Monday, August 25, 2008
WS race 4 rerun 23 August
Ho hum, Ho hum, another one we won. 1st on IRC 3rd on YAH. Great effort from Mandurah, with MOFSC gaining all podium results on IRC; 1st us, 2nd Fairy Tern, and 3rd Myrna.
Crew are busilly ordering new hats as their olds one no longer fit.
Well an interesting day with much shannanguns on the start line with a few boats over. Some went back others didn't so it wasn't till the finish until we knew who was and wasn't over. Syrenka was first over the line, Peard second and we were third close behind, but no one got a gun so there were some anxious moments. We were close but we were not sure as X factor was between us and the pin end and other boats between us and the boat end. I knew we were well behind X factor so we only had to turn back if they did, but they chose not to. We got 1st and fastest so we know that Peard was scrubbed, not sure about Syrenka or X factor.
This make us clear winners now to take out the series. I'm not sure if anyone can beat us but will review this during the week.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
TWU takes out Valmadre Cup
17th August 2008
Today This Way Up was awarded the Valmadre Trophy for winning division one IRC of the Western Australian winter series ocean races.
Winter Series Race 6, August 16th
Gidday All
Well the winds were light making for a tactical race on Saturday, the new kite was very impressive and would put our latest success to its performance, well that and the excellent work by the bowman and navigator. :-)
Again Syrenka seem to be doing her best to slow us down on the day, and at the time it was getting very frustrating judging by the frown lines on the helmsmen’s brow………
Have attached the results from the weekend and my overall results for both IRC and FSC (keep in mind these could be subject to change).
Also have attached a pic of the newest weapon!
Well the winds were light making for a tactical race on Saturday, the new kite was very impressive and would put our latest success to its performance, well that and the excellent work by the bowman and navigator. :-)
Again Syrenka seem to be doing her best to slow us down on the day, and at the time it was getting very frustrating judging by the frown lines on the helmsmen’s brow………
Have attached the results from the weekend and my overall results for both IRC and FSC (keep in mind these could be subject to change).
Also have attached a pic of the newest weapon!
Winter Series Race 5 ,Aug 2
Ok all,
Well apart from a windy start where 28 came up on the gauges it was a very nice 17 to 20 knots from the SW. Sooooooo much better then the 0 to 8 knots from everywhere that we had been experiencing lately.
TWU crossed in front of Syrenka towards the first mark, and yes there was a strange silence onboard as Syrenka dip us :-I But the normal chatters went on when Syrenka’s bow sprit was a safe distance away from us :-)
Although you would all be happy to know we returned the favour on the first kite leg as our prodder was just off their stern for most of the run!
John was on the kite winch grinding like a fat kid eating a cup cake very impressive! Sorry guys, if the skip can do it then no fancy electric winches for us on the new boat ;-)
A crowd lined the shores waiting on a glimpse of the legendary Red Rocket but alas not today was the word from the brains trust.
Things are heating up as we come into business end of the series all I can say is “BRING IT ON”
Well apart from a windy start where 28 came up on the gauges it was a very nice 17 to 20 knots from the SW. Sooooooo much better then the 0 to 8 knots from everywhere that we had been experiencing lately.
TWU crossed in front of Syrenka towards the first mark, and yes there was a strange silence onboard as Syrenka dip us :-I But the normal chatters went on when Syrenka’s bow sprit was a safe distance away from us :-)
Although you would all be happy to know we returned the favour on the first kite leg as our prodder was just off their stern for most of the run!
John was on the kite winch grinding like a fat kid eating a cup cake very impressive! Sorry guys, if the skip can do it then no fancy electric winches for us on the new boat ;-)
A crowd lined the shores waiting on a glimpse of the legendary Red Rocket but alas not today was the word from the brains trust.
Things are heating up as we come into business end of the series all I can say is “BRING IT ON”
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Valmadre Race 4
( Chart showing our speed over the 7 hours of racing)Talk about frustrating. Due to a complete lack of wind (apart from the expulsions from the previous nights meal) we had one of the most testing days on the water for patience. After an average start and being gassed we were unable to get in clean air to reach the leading bunch of yachts that included X factor, syrenka, peard, dark energy. These yachts managed to carry a small amount of breeeze around the first mark and continue downwind with reasonable breeze while the rest of us parked up. The frustration continued in fickle breeze for most of the day and we remained in different breeze from the leading yachts. At one stage we saw jelly fish swimming past us. Fairy Tern was overtaken by a turtle. Still, it could have been worse. We could have been on X factor. The only good bit of breeze we had after rounding the last mark enabled us to come from barely being able to see X factor to finish a minute or 2 in front of them across the line.
The outcome was largely up to luck, we pretty much did as much as we could with every bit of breeze that came by. I think we sailed well with what we had, doing 2 knots in 2.5 knots of breeze at times.
So the Valmadre series is now complete and the overall result will be very tight. We were leading in IRC and had a place in YAH. Yesterday we finshed 4th in IRC (160minutes behind 1st!!). But Peard only managed a 2nd so the results could be interesting. We are probably out of contention in YAH now but could still be 1st in IRC, though we may have done a Cadel Evans. We will just have to wait and see and put our focus back onto the Winter Series with 3-4 more races still to go.
Naviguesser
Winter Series Race 5
Well not a good day for race 5. There were some navigational errors (just like to point out that the naviguessor wasn't there) and some "interesting" kite jybes (apparantely). Finished down the list and not much to talk about. Seems the crew would rather forget this one.Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Valmadre Race 3 - Race abandoned
(Click to enlarge)
Here is the agony of the day.
Due to lack of winds race officials shortened the course and Success took up position near a channel marker, a Pilot boat directed Success to be moved from anchorage due to Success being within the Eastern shipping channel and as one yacht had already finished the race could only be abandoned.
Had a clear separation until the fleet that were miles behind sailed up to us under kites when we were two sailing it to the Campbell marker.
After rounding Campbell marker we were sitting in third spot on a very light and shifty day, with the finish line about 100m(0.5nm by GPS! correction made by naviguesser) ahead when the horn blew.
It must be said Simon did an excellent job on the helm under very trying conditions as at one stage I did see a piece of seaweed overtaking us ;-) we averaged 3knots of speed over five agonising hours in 0 to 5 knots of breeze.
Andy and Aid
Monday, July 7, 2008
5 July - Non Event
Just in case you're wondering, Winter Series Race 4 Cancelled due to bad weather. Wimps! the front had gone through and it was actually easing at 16 knots when they fired the abandonment gun. We were all prepared and on the boat ready to go when the race committee canned it. Back in the bar they were nowhere to seen, I think they went home to put on their slippers by the fire. It should be called the Leisure Series!!!
All dressed up and nowhere to play left several grumpies by the bar. Meanwhile Andrew was busy checking his compass bearing.
All dressed up and nowhere to play left several grumpies by the bar. Meanwhile Andrew was busy checking his compass bearing.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Valmadre race 2 results
(Click to enlarge)Well what a day. A day to test crew work with many boats having dramas a plenty, fortunately we sailed a very clean race with great crew work in pretty wet conditions and excelled yet again. This Way Up absolutely flew today, 1st on IRC, 1st on YAH, Overall winner on IRC, overall winner on YAH, 1st with Without fear for the teams trophy. We basically won everything that could be won. We were perplexed at decisions of other boats. Firstly a few boats were late for the start, Wildside's newly fitted bowsprit fell off!, other boats were busy putting in reefs and taking them out again in the squally conditions but TWU handled it well with full main and number 3 all day with the red kite. We hit 16.4 knots on a shy but very nice kite run that one else at the front of div 1 fleet even tried to carry. Every time the biggger boats got away they seemed to do something wrong and slow down and wait for us, change heady, reef, gybe too early, miss marks. We won IRC by 12 minutes, yes Twelve minutes.... even we were stunned.
Check out the GPs track from the race today, the wind was WSW (250-260 deg) with winds at 20-30knots.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Ouch!
The hole in the side of OP. Likely to be a long repair, unfortunate as it would have been good to see how we went against them.
Ho hum another 1st in IRC and PHD. You ripper.
The weather certainly turned in on again yesterday, didn’t realise winter sailing could be so good :-)
The only down side of the day was when Syrenka slammed into the side of Optimus Prime putting a very large hole in her just above the water line. It took about 10 to 15 mins for them to untangle themselves.
We sent our intrepid reporter aboard OP (Simon) or should I say he jumped on then started taking photos of all the damage.
Lets hope repairs on both yachts don’t take to long and we see them back on the water soon.
Find attached the FSC and IRC results for the day.
The weather certainly turned in on again yesterday, didn’t realise winter sailing could be so good :-)
The only down side of the day was when Syrenka slammed into the side of Optimus Prime putting a very large hole in her just above the water line. It took about 10 to 15 mins for them to untangle themselves.
We sent our intrepid reporter aboard OP (Simon) or should I say he jumped on then started taking photos of all the damage.
Lets hope repairs on both yachts don’t take to long and we see them back on the water soon.
Find attached the FSC and IRC results for the day.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Gidday All,
The first Valmadre race (Arlene Race) has been run, and what a day it was!
There was some speculation about the pending bad weather but happy to report WA turned on some more perfect weather for sailing again.
We were a little short for experienced crew but what our guest lack in experience they made up for in enthusiasm, even with captain grumpy at the wheel. ;-)
Only joking bugsy was fine, we just chucked some squeaky toys in the play pen to keep him occupied….lol (Hmmmm think I may pay for these comments next week)
Although there was some concern when snaky was being played with whilst rounding a mark (remember only one thing at a time!) hehehehehe.
Anyway we achieved a 2nd in IRC to the one and only Optimus Prime by 2.49 minutes, with 3rd another 3.05 minutes behind ourselves, and a 4th on YAH again about 2 minutes off the pace.
I believe from various discussions the division 1 YAH handicap is taken from your offshore results and not from past races with the Fremantle Sailing Club. This means we are dealing with four handicap systems that are:
1) IRC - FSC Winter Series & Valmadre Cup Series
2) YAH - Valmadre Cup Series
3) FSC (Heavy Weather) - FSC Winter Series
4) FSC (Light Weather) - FSC Winter Series
As per usual I have attached some more results for you to check out for both division 1 & 2.
Sav
The first Valmadre race (Arlene Race) has been run, and what a day it was!
There was some speculation about the pending bad weather but happy to report WA turned on some more perfect weather for sailing again.
We were a little short for experienced crew but what our guest lack in experience they made up for in enthusiasm, even with captain grumpy at the wheel. ;-)
Only joking bugsy was fine, we just chucked some squeaky toys in the play pen to keep him occupied….lol (Hmmmm think I may pay for these comments next week)
Although there was some concern when snaky was being played with whilst rounding a mark (remember only one thing at a time!) hehehehehe.
Anyway we achieved a 2nd in IRC to the one and only Optimus Prime by 2.49 minutes, with 3rd another 3.05 minutes behind ourselves, and a 4th on YAH again about 2 minutes off the pace.
I believe from various discussions the division 1 YAH handicap is taken from your offshore results and not from past races with the Fremantle Sailing Club. This means we are dealing with four handicap systems that are:
1) IRC - FSC Winter Series & Valmadre Cup Series
2) YAH - Valmadre Cup Series
3) FSC (Heavy Weather) - FSC Winter Series
4) FSC (Light Weather) - FSC Winter Series
As per usual I have attached some more results for you to check out for both division 1 & 2.
Sav
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Well another glorious day on the water. 15knots of breeze and clear blue skies. 2nd on IRC to OP sistership to the one we will be racing next year. 5th on YAH. Not bad considering the breeze dropped out so it favoured the bigger boats that got in early. I have attached the GPS track so you can see where we went.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hi Guys,
Well another hard day on the water…..not
What can one say except, it was an awesome day for sailing.
Had a great start and a near faultless round except one of the crew tried to do two things at the same time….;-P
Even though I know males can’t do two things at once, at least that’s what we get told ;-)
Hardest thing was trying to see those friggin sticks they call marks it was like the Where’s Waldo books!
I have attached results from the weekends sail for both IRC and YAH
Well another hard day on the water…..not
What can one say except, it was an awesome day for sailing.
Had a great start and a near faultless round except one of the crew tried to do two things at the same time….;-P
Even though I know males can’t do two things at once, at least that’s what we get told ;-)
Hardest thing was trying to see those friggin sticks they call marks it was like the Where’s Waldo books!
I have attached results from the weekends sail for both IRC and YAH
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Winter series - Race 2
Hot off the press..... Race 2 , 1st on YAH, 1st on IRC. Ye hah!
Well the rudder was repaired in time and the boat hit the water Late on Friday ready for Saturdays race. Race report to follow shortly.
Well the rudder was repaired in time and the boat hit the water Late on Friday ready for Saturdays race. Race report to follow shortly.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
FW: Boat out of the water
The boat was lifted llate last week to facilitate some desperately needed maintenance.
The boat was in need of an antifoul as it ws growing a reef on a weekly basis and beginning to affect performance!. Yesterday she was polished and prep’d ready for paint which was booked in for midday today. When lifted a small crack in the rudder was found to be much worse than thought and some repair works have also been scheduled this week. With fingers crossed the boat should be back in the water in time for Saturdays race.
Also reinstalling the radio earth for us..... For those that don’t know this was “cleaned off” the bottom off the boat a couple of months ago when one of our crew got a little overzealous scrubbing the bottom of the boat.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Race one down and our account has been opened, we manage a third in the YAH and a first in IRC :-)
Out of six possible position in YAH and IRC the Mandurah boats took out five of them!
Had a few wicked rain squalls go though the fleet, seen 28 knots on our wind indicator then it disappeared due to the increased pressure and horizontal rain :-P
At one time we thought about shaking the reef out of the main but another squall came though and shot that idea in the foot...lol
Nevertheless spinnakers went up and down as normal due to some awesome bow work ;-) and before you knew it we were back at the bar.
An interesting mistake was made by the FSC as they forgot a race in the Sailing calendar, namely the 7th June 2008 this was made aware to us during the presentations.
This oversight is a bugger as we wanted to get some work done on the yacht and will be pulling her out of the water this week, due to this extra race we may only be able to get her polished and re-sprayed with some minor works done.
Have made some amendments to the sailing matrix to incorporate this additional race with other changes and need you guys to confirm if you can sail or not.
Out of six possible position in YAH and IRC the Mandurah boats took out five of them!
Had a few wicked rain squalls go though the fleet, seen 28 knots on our wind indicator then it disappeared due to the increased pressure and horizontal rain :-P
At one time we thought about shaking the reef out of the main but another squall came though and shot that idea in the foot...lol
Nevertheless spinnakers went up and down as normal due to some awesome bow work ;-) and before you knew it we were back at the bar.
An interesting mistake was made by the FSC as they forgot a race in the Sailing calendar, namely the 7th June 2008 this was made aware to us during the presentations.
This oversight is a bugger as we wanted to get some work done on the yacht and will be pulling her out of the water this week, due to this extra race we may only be able to get her polished and re-sprayed with some minor works done.
Have made some amendments to the sailing matrix to incorporate this additional race with other changes and need you guys to confirm if you can sail or not.
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