Long Distance Racing

It is rare to get the opportunity to race in the regular Sunday races however I had the opportunity to take part in a long race yesterday. My husband usually races with Stan, an elderly gentleman who races a Top Hat class yacht. Stan was unable to race and we were therefore at a loose end. The Club race was a long race from Cygnet, down the bay and into the Huon river and was also an inter-club race - the final race of the McLaren Series. Once in the river the race turns upstream and heads to the rival Port Huon Yacht Club's finishing line. The race is about 12 kilometres long and was expected to take 3-4 hours. I suggested that we make an effort to race however my husband decided that he was  not competent enough to do it with just the two of us. I  contacted the girls but they were both unable to race so coach Harry agreed to come along with his lovely wife Anna. It was overcast and with a steady breeze of about 10 knots blowing predominantly from the east. Although it was fairly varied in direction, the wind maintained its strength for most of the race. After a rather rocky and slow start with the husband on the helm we were  again chasing Shiraz. The goal was to at least overtake Phil and maybe catch up with some of the others. With Harry at the helm we soon made up the difference and were able to almost make it into the river ahead of Shiraz.  

With the change of tack we were on a run before the wind.  Alas Shiraz raised a spinnaker and powered past us. We had never even taken the spinnaker out of the bag let alone raised it but with Harry's enthusiastic efforts we were able to raise it in a fashion after dragging out ropes from the locker and finding that the halliard was wrapped around the Genoa. The spinnaker flew beautifully even if a little lower than it should, and we were able to really make a move on Shiraz. Although we managed to make up much of the gap she had opened up on us unfortunately we were unable to pass her. However over the distance travelled we were very competitive.

After a great sail home back to Cygnet we arrived home to great camaraderie and the news that we did very well. Twelve yachts started the race - six from the Port Huon club and six from the Cygnet club. We were third in the McLaren race on handicap and also in the Club race - our Pathfinders best result as yet and with thanks to coach Harry. Not quite an all girls team but it was a great learning experience, even with the spinnaker issues we were competitive even in light air so confidence is again lifted. I am looking forward to the Twilight race tomorrow night - here's hoping the wind will be kind to us. Till next time...