2009 Sailing News
Page updated
28 March, 2010
ACYC Club Sailing
Race Report 15 - Sunday November 8
Sunny skies and good winds in conjunction with rising tides set the on-the-water racing stage for the penultimate race, Race 15 of the Raymarine ACYC series, on Sunday offering unsurpassed conditions for the six boats participating. Topped up with vibrant people and personalities, a turn out of more people wanting to sail than boats that were available, the vitality and generosity of a new sponsor, the return of an exuberant and comical MC with his sidekick responsible for tabulating the race results (Oops, better be nice)... and, and... good times!
Race Officer Scott Duncanson set a now familiar course around the islands with that familiar final sausage to complete the race. To allow Scott to find his ride on Silk Purse, a delayed start for 12:30 was instituted. Tony Onyx manned the start boat with Kathy de Cruz officiating the racing scene. Given the wind direction, the line favoured a port tack approach, which most boats opted for, giving them a straight beat up to the Baan Nit Safe Water Mark. Boats cruised into the line avoiding
Onyx who was situated at the port end of the line.Kite askew on Emerald Blue
Most boats opted for a port tack start coming in from the left behind the start boat with Moto Inzi opting to come in on starboard tacking over at the channel marker to get a clear start. Emerald Blue was early to the line and had to tack over to starboard to get across, surprising Windstar coming up fast on port. All boats got clear away with the multihulls first to the Baan Nit mark and kites popped immediately as boats bore away around the mark.
The first surprise was Miss Saigon who displayed a fine wine glass but not to be out done, Emerald Blue put their kite up sideways and continued to sail down the track for maaany metres causing much mirth aboard arch rivals on Windstar. Boo was seen demonstrating a tribal dance on the poop deck!! Wasn't he meant to be on the bow? Finally, sorting out communications between the aft deck and the heavies at the front, Emerald Blue rectified the situation for the next time showing how it should be done after mutterings up front about who packed the kite and put the corners in the wrong order. Despite the mishap, the race was not a waste for Emerald Blue. In pulling up her socks in the subsequent legs, she earned first in Racing and also an additional prize, an encouragement award - reminiscent of previous ACYC series - to continue to do it right. Meanwhile Windstar had taken advantage and were fast approaching the mosque mark. Miss Saigon, who had unceremoniously dumped one of their crew in the water at the club slip well before racing commenced had also rectified their problems and had picked up speed.
Moto Inzi led the boats down to the mosque mark but generously left room for The Frog to steal a march on them by gybing inside and taking advantage of a gust and continued for a little longer under spinnaker to take the lead. As the boats sailed around the islands, each crew had their moment. Moto Inzi deftly recaptured the lead and although slow to start, Silk Purse was hot in pursuit. A headsail which started to unstitch itself did not deter them and they began to show what they are capable of, quickly reeling in the two Fireflys. Miss Saigon sailed a steady race and even though they tried to eject a crew member, they kept all crew on board to the end.
Emerald Blue soon caught up with Windstar and just after the western tip of Koh Lon overhauled her to leeward leaving her rapidly behind. No wiles this time by the wily fox, just a well honed racing team sending a clear message to Windstar for the forthcoming King’s Cup.
Well, more fun and excitement? It's not only the racing that makes the day. A relaxed group on the start boat enjoyed the balmy weather and had the opportunity to place bets on the progress of the race with winner Blue Jay quick to call in his winnings on shore. Did he actually consume all the rewards himself?
A great day for all and a thrill to be out! Yet stay tuned. With one more race to go, the ACYC Raymarine series winner, as well as class results are to be determined except ahem, for one class!
| Boat |
Name |
Place |
| Emerald Blue |
Nick Band |
1 |
| Windstar |
Peter Wood |
1 |
| Boat |
Name |
Place |
| The Frog |
Chris Jongerius |
1 |
| Moto Inzi |
Roger Kingdon |
2 |
| Miss Saigon |
David Liddell |
3 |
A warm thanks and apppreciation go to Hélène Fallon-Wood and to Peter Wood of Tamarind Villa Phuket for their generous sponsorship that included a stupendous buffet dinner of hearty meats and vegetables, Irish cider in addition to noteworthy prizes. Four leaf clovers with the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! For the die hards on Onyx who suffered a special lunch, cold beverages, good music and great company goes a round of applause. Thanks to Tony Onyx and his wife Bok for the day on their boat and to Race Official Kathy for getting the boats around the course. Thumbs up to Scott Duncanson for setting the course (and setting the late start!). Also thanks to MC Tony Knight. Missed you over the past several ACYC races but more than happy that you graced us with yet another outstanding performance of good humour and an always vivacious award presentation. Once again, fond farewells and all the best in your ventures with your family in Australia. Appreciation goes to your sidekick Adam Teppler for the results and presentation act in yet another comedy club scenario.
The full results for the day can be viewed here. Overall results for the series and the performance handicap can be viewed at http://acyc.asiaaustraliatech.com
Photos of this race can be viewed here. Click here for the ACYC Photo Gallery.
The last race of the season, Race 16 will take place November 21. Call Scott Duncanson on 08 1892 4992 for more information and visit www.acyc-phuket.com.
See you out on the water!!
Text & photos by Leslie Hand
