2009 Sailing News
Page updated
30 December, 2009
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 with a straight beat up to the Baan Nit Safe Kite askew on Emerald Blue
Water Mark. Boats cruised into the line avoiding
Onyx who was situated at the port end of the line.
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. 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 many metres down the track close to the shore of Koh Lon 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 hosting a second spinnaker, this time showing how it should be done. Muutterings could be heard across the water about who had 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 continuing for a little longer under spinnaker to take the lead. As the boats sailed round 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 another 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 overhauling her to leeward and 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. To boot, Emerald Blue earned a first in Racing to earn fine prizes from the day sponsor Tamarind Villa Phuket in addition to an encouragement award - reminiscent of previous ACYC series - to do it all right the next time.
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?
Noteworthy in the offshore racing day is day sponsor Tamarind Villa Service. A more than special treat of a stupendous buffet, ice cold Irish cider, well-received prizes and live music make the race one to remember. Accolades and hope to see you again soon. The day was a testimony as to why the turnout of people were there and willing to participate in sailing at ACYC.
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 humourous award presentation. Once again, fond farewells and all the best in your ventures. Appreciation goes to your sidekick Adam Teppler for the results and presentation act in yet another comedy club scenario.
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 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 |
For the die hards on the water who suffered a special lunch, cold beverages, good music and great company goes a round of applause. A thanks of appreciation go 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!). The memorable day is also attributed to Hélène Fallon-Wood and to Peter Wood of Tamarind Villa Phuket for their 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!
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!!
Phuket Regattas
The Second SEA Properties/ACYC Multihull Challenge
From the 2nd until the 5th of July the ACYC hosted the second SEA Properties Multihull Challenge.
There were 13 multihulls competing in two classes with one being the Performance Multihulls and the other being the Firefly class. We had our first cruising multihull this year in
Madame Cholet, which was placed in Performance Class because it was being sailed so well by its youthful crew.
Click here for more of the report, photos and results...
