12/12/2021

A brisk southerly provided for some exciting conditions for sailors and spectators for Port Macquarie Sailing Club’s double header on Sunday consisting of Race 6 of the Spring Program and the 3^rd Club Championship.

The first race started just before low tide with 8-10 knots from the south west that increased and turned more southerly for the rest of the afternoon.

In the catamaran division Frank O’Rourke on Turbo put on his usual masterclass crossing the line 2 minutes clear of Jack Corthals on Crackerjack, Tony Kuhn on Stella and Scott Witchard on Hummer. With handicaps applied, the result was the same.

Jim Kerrison and Deb Stening continued their MG14 Nationals preparation in Death Defying with another winning performance in the monohull division. Warren Sykes in Runamuck was in fine form for the day crossing next followed by Elsa and Simon Gandy in Up Beat, Jeff Walsh in Serenity, Andrew Richards in Impulsive, Steve Bohlsen sailing solo in Interceptor, Martina Holt in Spellbound, Steve Couch in Lazybuoy and Stuart Symons and Ariana Silva in Puffin. With handicaps, the result was: Death Defying, Runamuck, Serenity, Impulsive, Interceptor, Up Beat, Lazybuoy, Spellbound and Puffin.

After lunch, with the wind increasing, some skippers erred on the side of caution and didn’t take part in the Club Championship. From the safety boat, a hand-held aneometer recorded gusts up to 19.4 knots, while the airport observations reported gusts at 23 knots.

Roger Shipton in Zazoo was the first casualty of the afternoon with a sail malfunction just before the start. He was towed back to the beach for some quick repairs before getting underway again, but only for one lap before calling it quits and heading for home. Puffin, now with Gonçalo Pereira as crew, was towed back after an unplanned meeting with the mudbanks and sustaining some rudder damage.

Despite an uncharacteristic dip, Death Defying took the yardstick win followed by Runamuck, and Serenity. Prospective new member Graeme Cran and Simon Gandy in Bateau D’or had a tough initiation crossing next. And Adam Pilcher and Steve Bohlsen in Red Star was one of the few to finish without damage, injury or swim interval. Handicap results were Runamuck, Serenity, Death Defying, and Red Star.

In the Catamaran division, Crackerjack revelled in the heavier conditions and while Turbo took the yardstick win, the order was reversed under handicap. Hummer took to the course for the afternoon event, but chose to withdraw after some spectacular acrobatics. (Where’s the camera when you need it?)

Next week will be Spring Series Race 7 starting at 12noon followed by the Club’s Christmas BBQ at approximately 3pm. Warren Sykes is rostered on duty.

Steve Couch – Publicity Officer

0417 667 879

publicityofficerpmsc@gmail.com