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Big River Sailing Club

Good turnout for last heats of Handicap Series


 

17 boats contested the last heats of the Handicap Series on Saturday (Mar 23) and enjoyed conditions which were a little more sailor friendly than those of the previous couple of weeks. The southeast breeze was gentle but relatively consistent, and whilst the strong run-out tide made the runs long and challenging, the reward at the bottom mark was the prospect of a tide assisted upwind. In the monohulls Wayne established an early lead in Race 1 and went on to win ahead of Jay and Willow (2nd) and Arthur (3rd). The second race was all Neale McKinley however, who easily claimed honours on handicap in his Laser Radial, and who wasnt far behind the faster boats across the line. Jay and Willow also backed up their good result in the first race to record another second place in Race 2, which on balance, made them the best of the monohulls on the day. Of the five Wetas that made up Division 2, Nathan again dominated, but Sonya could also be well satisfied with her two second places. Results have now been updated. 

Easter weekend

A reminder to members there is no formal racing planned for the Easter weekend, although the club will be open on the Saturday for 'learn to sail' and for others keen to sail socially. On the Saturday following Easter the club will host the final heats of the Club Championship Series. To cap what has been another successful season, members can then look forward to a social day on April 13, being the end of season picnic. 

Scooter wins Impulse East Coast Championships

Congratulations to Scooter Hinton who becomes the new Impulse East Coast Champion after winning that event held on the weekend of Mar 9/10 at Big River. Competition was tight with only three points separating the first three boats. Darling Point Sailing Squadron members Dave Harrison and Andrew Turnbull-Miller finished second and third respectively. Full results on the Impulse Association website.

Successful Annual Regatta

Rain in the preceding days and the forecast of light winds wasn't enough to deter a 60 strong fleet from participating in this year's annual regatta. By mid-day on the Saturday any dampness had evaporated, the skies had cleared, and a gentle breeze was developing. Never more than 10-12 knots, with some light patches in between, there was at least enough for all boats to complete the race in a three hour window, with no reports of injury or damage. There was plenty of positive feedback from all involved, and more so after they were 'wined and dined' and given opportunity to recount the days events, exaggerate stories, and talk about their could of and should of moments. 

As is often the case, it was a challenge to get an early start on the Sunday. The early land breeze was always going to die and swing, and rather than risk boats becoming captive to the run out tide, organisers opted for an early lunch and to wait for the forecast easterly. That decision was vindicated when the breeze came and strengthened around mid-day, which allowed for two more races to complete a three race series  

Some of the usual suspects were again dominant in their respective divisions/classes, including Dave Chester (fast catamarans), Craig Foley (Corsairs), Scooter (Impulse), and Steve Brajkovich (trailerables), all of whom managed three wins from as many races. Chris Thompson (Laser) had to work a little harder for his win in the mixed monohull division, as did Garry Scott (RS100) in the faster monohulls. A special mention to Jay and Willow Stroud who came second to Garry, their placing topping off a good weekend for Willow who also celebrated a birthday.

If there was a prize for the best looking class on the water, the Heron wins hands down, made so by their craftsman like boats, colorful sails and junior crews. Kylie and Joel managed to edge out Peter and Mia to make it an all Vaiciurgis affair at the top, closely followed by Adam Ross and son Max, third. The Arrow v Weta battle was on in earnest in the catamarans rated above 80 on yardstick, and in the end perennial winner Frank O'Rourke had to settle for second place, sandwiched by Weta sailors George Owen (1st) and Nathan Stanton (3rd).

The Big River regattas are are lot of fun and they are always well received, both by the many who keep coming back and those who attend for the first time. Nothing is achieved without effort however, so a shout out to all those who make it happen, you know who you are!


Results have now been updated  

Regular visitor Steve Brakjovich and crew win the Yacht Division 

A second place in the faster monhull division was  icing on the cake for Willow who also celebrated her birthday on the weekend.

 

 

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