2009 Sailing News
Page updated
28 March, 2010
ACYC Club Sailing
Race 4 April 19 2009
With 12 boats on the start line for Race 4 in the ACYC 2009 Race Series, Course 7 with a twist for Fireflies having to go the extra distance round the Ao Makham Channel Marker offered a scenic route round the southern islands of Phuket. The light westerlies which prevailed at the start developed during the day into a robust 20 knots. These invigorating conditions provided some exhilarating moments and brisk sailing for everyone as well as a number of challenges for the old timers and many admirals out on the water. Moto Inzi flying a hull
Some boats as well demonstrated
‘flair’ and high flying and other antics. New to the race course was a Wharram Cat in Multihulls while Cruising Class had no contenders.
In the absence of the usual culprits who offer their services as Officer of the Day, Mark Pescott filled in as Race Officer. With the start line between the two outer channel markers, the countdown for the two starts, first Racing and Multihulls and second Fireflys, was conducted over the radio by multi-tasking Mark who was also concentrating on positioning himself for the second start. Participants monitored their own OCS at the start and recorded their own finish times.
The first start was reminiscent of maids in a row with the fleet all on starboard although the order was soon to change. Katsu, slow to start, soon overhauled Minx and later demonstrated some new tactical manoeuvres, a series of broaches, which did nothing to stop her flight to the front and to a win in Racing. Nerida and Simone sailed a steady race in the lively conditions with Simone light of the usual heavyweights and sailing shorthanded choosing not to fly a spinnaker.
Happy Feet held the early lead in Mulithulls ahead of Typhoon and newcomer, the Wharram Cat Philomena. Happy Feet demonstrated her foils working and raised one hull out of the water. With conditions suiting her, she soon overtook the whole fleet but a repeat of the technical difficulties experienced in the previous race, slowed her down and shortly before the end she retired.
The five Fireflys participating were not without their medley of cunning stunts. Unfortunately and for varying reasons, three of the fleet did not complete the race. With a close start between Pagatoon, Moto Inzi and Twin Sharks, Pagatoon took an early lead and appeared clear to win her first ACYC race. A mishap with the spinnaker found the many admirals on board deftly bagging the sail and raising the jib without much loss of speed. However, later a broken chain plate and resultant felling of the mast literally took the wind out of her sails sabotaging their attempt at top spot on the podium. Both Mamba and The Frog appeared to pick up steam as the race progressed. However, they lost momentum and did not complete the course with The Frog standing by Pagatoon to offer assistance. A high flying Moto Inzi and reefed Twin Sharks were left to to claim first and second places respectively.
A great day and more to look forward to!
| Boat |
Name |
Place |
| Katsu |
Ben Copely |
1 |
| Minx |
Mick Kealy |
2 |
| Nerida |
Roger Diggelmann |
3 |
| Boat |
Name |
Place |
| Typhoon |
Matt McGrath |
1 |
| Philomena |
Max |
2 |
| Boat |
Name |
Place |
| Moto Inzi |
Roger Kingdon |
1 |
| Twin Sharks |
Mark Pescott |
2 |
Thanks to ACYC for sponsoring the day and to the crew for their hospitality, BBQ,
cold beers and more. Thumbs up to Mark Pescott for race officiating and MCing in addition to his participation as skipper on Twin Sharks. Perhaps the new hairstyle indicates a sign of what's to come!
The full results for the day and the performance handicap can be viewed here: http://acyc.asiaaustraliatech.com
Photos of Race 4 can be viewed here. Click here for the ACYC Photo Gallery.
Race 5 of the series will take place May 17. Call Tony on 08 1747 0074 for
more information and visit www.acyc-phuket.com for more information.
See you out on the water!!
Text & photos by Leslie Hand
