Twilight Race 4/09

Perfect weather, a wonderful sea breeze and a sunny cool evening gave us the best racing weather yet.  It started a little slowly and we had some difficulty right at the start line in making a great deal of headway in the crush of boats and the fouled air at the line.  But once we captured enough wind we had a really good sail.  A couple of minor glitches with the jib sheets jamming on the winch caused us to loose ground on the rest of the fleet but we were able to make up a lot of ground at the finish. There were 12 yachts in the race and we were 8th which was not bad considering our sheeting problems.  Running with the wind was certainly a major improvement however we still have difficulty pointing to windward. More homework on sail setting is needed and perhaps getting one of our two coaches to have a look at the sail setup might not be a bad idea. We also need to look at job sheet handling and maybe some adjustments are needed on the blocks through which they run. 

Regardless of the sail handling issues one must admit that the relaxed relationship between us girls on board helped to make the whole event a pleasure. 'Til next time...

Twilight Race 3/09

Tonight we had the pleasure of sailing with a new crew member.  Wendy usually sails with her husband on their lovely old wooden yacht Jezebel, but I traded them my 'significant other' in exchange.  Wendy is a very able sailor with years of experience so we have gained a great deal. It was a baptism of fire however with very squally gusts of wind up to 25 knots which you could hear coming through the trees on the shore like a steam train and then flattening all in its wake.  Many of the yachts reefed sails or put on a smaller jib. Being cautious we started the race very well with only the mainsail and a tiny bit of the jib and even then we had to let the mainsail out at times just to stop being knocked down by the gusts.  We were the first across the start line but soon lost ground to the more competent and confident men.  Each leg saw us get further behind even though, as the winds settled a bit, we were able to use the full jib.  We did make up a great deal of ground on the last leg but still came in 12th out of 12 yachts.  We learnt a lot and we were proud of the fact that we completed the course in some of the roughest conditions any of us had sailed in.  We now have  full women crew so the pink shirted Pathfinder girls are now a compete team.  We all got on well and the jokes started to flow.  It was a scary night but also a satisfying one.  The men give us their respect - we earned it - and were very happy to talk tactics and give us their support.  With luck next week will have better conditions and we can really improve. 'Til then... fair winds and good sailing to all.

Sunday sailing - the highs and lows again!

Today's race was a pursuit event where each yacht starts at a staggered time according to handicap.  Each yacht tries hard to run down the earlier starters.  What should happen is a massed finish at the end with all yachts finishing together.  I had hoped that  Skipper Jim would be at the club and willing to take Pathfinder out.  We have the slowest handicap and would have started first.  Unfortunately he was late and the 'significant other' was being a little obstructionist today so I gave up hope of taking her out and tagged along for the ride with the Cap'n on Wyvern. 

It always amazes me the fickle nature of the wind in the bay.  Starting first across the line we were soon rundown by the lighter weight Bianco in the gentle breezes that were blowing.  The two yachts only started a minute apart and continued to be well in front until the end of the first triangle when Gallivant overtook us followed by Aotea.  The breezes were at times quite fresh and helped us make up lost ground but they did not hold and unfortunately we were not able to make up enough time to be in the placings.  We were seventh out of 10 yachts.  I had the opportunity to helm for part of the race and was delighted to feel so much more confident.  We also had to goose wing the jib so I had some sheet handling work also. The 'significant other's"  petulance also made for a bit of a frosty atmosphere at times which did not make the sailing as enjoyable as usual.  It never fails, however, to make me feel exhilarated and healthy this sailing thing so regardless of missing out on taking my own yacht I still really appreciate the opportunity.  After the race I had a promise from the Skipper to come out with us on the next race and also a tentative agreement to sail in the Kettering to Cygnet race at the regatta so there is much to look forward to.  'Til next time... Buena vela!

Twilight Race 2/09

The second Twilight race for the year was great fun and we were, until the last leg of the race, very competitive.  A really good start was made and we were well in the mix up the first leg of the race and in fact were well ahead of most of the major competition until the third leg of the triangle when the wind started to die. We struggled to keep up over the final three legs of the race and finished 10th out of 14 boats.  We were definitely not disappointed and were congratulated on the fine race we had sailed.  It was simply a case of running out of wind that meant we finished towards the back of the fleet. We still only had two girls and a male which was fine but I was hoping to get one of the other experiences sailing women to join us.  I have approached a confident and competent woman from one of the other yachts to switch sides and sail with us, offering her my "significant other" as a trade. She is keen so we will see next week. 'Til then - happy sails to you...

Sunday Racing again

Today I had the opportunity to sail with the Cap'n and my "significant other " in the race around Huon Island.  This is a long race which today took five hours.  We had a great day battling the usual fickle winds and dicing with a group of five other yachts in a pack.  There were 14 yachts in the race with the fast racing yachts getting out ahead with the cruisers making a pack at the back. Each yacht had its share of luck with yachts within 200 metres of each other having different winds!  The opportunity to raise the spinnaker was taken as we sailed out of the bay and into the Huon River estuary proper and this certainly gave us an opportunity to keep up with the other cruising yachts.  Around the island with a strong sea breeze coming in and back up river under spinnaker - what a run. It was great to be of value aboard apart from having the galley chef task. I am the chief spinnaker hand, handling the sheets, adjusting the pole etc. It was fun and apart from a problem when the wind suddenly spun around and flattened the kite causing us to waste time swapping back to the jib - only to have the wind change back astern! Too late in the race to re-hoist but we still did well. We were second on handicap in the PCSC race and first in the Fred McLaren heat. The race is divided into a club race and an Interclub race - the McLaren. These have different handicaps.  We did really well for a day with light and fickle air,  and had great fun doing it! 'Til next time...enjoy life and good sailing

Twilight Race 1/09

We had a great start to the Twilight racing season tonight with a 6th place out of 11 yachts competing but with less than 4.5 minutes between the first and last yacht on corrected time it was a very competitive event.  The wind was pretty strong all day and I must admit to being pretty nervous at the start.  At best the wind could be called squally - there were gusts up to 20 knots and then almost nothing.  Getting an all girl crew this season is going to be difficult.  Some girls say they would love to be aboard then change their mind on the day - so we had to take a token male as crew tonight!  As it was my"significant other" we were well crewed.  The 'Skipper'- who originally joined us at the start of last year's races was aboard and full of enthusiasm.  We started out cautiously with much of the large jib furled. This was really an opportunity for the 'Skipper' to get to know the boat once more.  As the race progressed we enlarged the jib sail area as the wind lightened. A couple of times on the last leg of the race we were almost knocked down by the gusts but releasing the traveller and letting the pressure off the mainsail did the trick.  For a cautious start the result was very pleasing. The enthusiasm was still there and the 'Skipper' is delighted with our performance.   Tuesday cannot come round soon enough.  'Til then... "my goal in sailing isn't to be brilliant or flashy in individual races, just to be consistent over the long run" so said Denis Connors - and I agree!

Racing again!

Firstly Happy New Year to you all.   We had a very busy Christmas and even New Year was good with a party at a friend's place.  The weather has at last become fine after quite a lot of rain.  The opportunity to race today came because my 'significant other' was unable to race with the Cap'n who had family commitments.  We brought Pathfinder in to add some snap strap and hooks to the new cover to replace the string which we had been using since the makers devices had popped off.  It worked well and took little time to complete.  My sister is visiting at the moment and she is an enthusiastic beginner so we decided to join the race and had a great time.  The weather was perfect. A 10-15 knot breeze that was a little fickle at times, beautiful sunshine and calm seas - all were just magic. We started really well and were well in the race with all the others. We had a very good first triangle although there was quite a bit of tacking required to make the third mark. We lost a little on the others at this point. A good run back was spoilt as the wind changed direction and pushed us across the bay, making it necessary to tack to the buoy at the apex of the triangle. All was going well and we looked like we would round the mark ahead of two other yachts when one decided to do a very sharp tack across our bows.  To avoid collision we had to pull away and as a result missed the mark and had to do three tacks to finally make the buoy.  That debacle meant the other two yachts got well away from us and with a couple of periods where we were almost becalmed we were soon tailing the fleet.  We still had a wonderful sail and really enjoyed the day. It was a great day for beginners and we were delighted to just be out on the water. 

Twilight racing begins on Tuesday - so now I must ensure that we have a crew. 'Til then... fair winds and good sailing.

Summer sailing

I digress this week somewhat from race sailing to reflect on the number of wonderful women who love to sail.  I keep coming across them as I surf the net while I am keeping track of some other favourite people who do crazy things in boats. Visit the link Sailing Simplicity and follow the adventure and reflections of Teresa who has given up a great deal to follow her dream of living aboard a yacht with her cat Dory.  As a person who has recently sold up everything in South Australia and moved to Tasmania with nothing but what would fit in an 8x5 trailer and the back of a Landrover Discovery, I can really relate to the wonderful cathartic effect of leaving all the junk from ones past behind. Unfortunately we have really started to acquire the junk of a middle class lifestyle again and I wonder why. It is nice to have good things but do we really need them?

I left behind a good job, a not so good house and a heap of stress to move to a not so good job, a lovely house and a heap of stress!  Now who's crazy?

The compensations here are the wonderful waters for sailing or just watching.  What a stress release to get out on the water every week - wind in the hair etc - all that romantic but real living!  

Yesterday's race was another fine example of the exhilaration that a fast moving yacht can provide, the freshest of cold air, the challenge of trying to beat a friendly foe and camaraderie of the after race reflections over a barbecue and a drink or two.  I worked hard enough to have a few sore muscles and a sense of being of value aboard. With Christmas fast upon us I look forward to the New Year - watching the yachts arriving from the Sydney to Hobart Ocean Yacht Race, Fireworks at midnight on the docks on New Years Eve and the Twilight racing season when the girls will get together and take on the men for our second season.  What a joy of anticipation.  Must make sure that we have enough people to do it properly and that the yacht is in as good a condition as she can be. Til next time... Seasons greetings and good sailing if you can.

Summer Race 2

It is wonderful to have such great friends who will take me aboard and let me sail even though there is little work for me to do. Wyvern was again my sailing berth with the Cap'n and my "Significant Other". Sunday's race was sailed in very gusty but also fickle winds that continually changed direction.  We sailed well, flying along in great gusts of wind - water creaming over the side.  Not much fun when your feet end up in 4 inches of water but very exhilarating none the less. It was a long race and the 11 yachts were well spread across the course.  Two yachts ended up withdrawing with gear problems and the rest were very competitive with small tussles between groups of yachts ongoing throughout the event. The Etchells were not out in force so Bushido had pretty much the lead to herself. The two Solings were vying for the lead very competitively until one had to pull out with a snapped halliard. For once the wooden, older yachts outnumbered the more modern GRP hulled racers and there was some strong competition for handicap results.  Of the 11 yachts that started we came 3rd with Bianco and Pelican placing 1st and 2nd. Still we are well in contention for a series win.

My confidence is still building and although little hands-on activity is available - at least I am good ballast in strong winds.

'Til next time... 

Summer Race 1

Beautiful weather with a stiff breeze was the order of the day for Sunday's race - the first of the summer series.  This would have to be one of the most competitive races that I have been able to race in.  Again I was aboard Wyvern with the Cap'n and my "significant other" male.  The wind was blowing up the bay from the south west and so there was a significant amount of tacking requires to get to the first mark which was way down the bay.  The Cap'n showed his depth of knowledge of the sailing conditions in the bay and so we were well placed at the first mark. Throughout the race we were dicing with three other yachts - a Couta boat, Bianco, an Endeavour and One More Time, an Etchell. Some strategic tacking meant that by the second mark we were in front of all of these. On the fourth leg of the race they overtook us and over the remaining legs we were dicing backwards and forwards but were able to successfully hold the thre yachts off to cross the finish line ahead.  When the handicap results came out we had won the day.   There were 13 yachts in the race so we did well.  It was great fun and the competition was excellent. Hopefully we will get to repeat the exercise next Sunday. 'Til then.. good sailing

Lightning series 1

What a fantastic event! Three short races in quick succession and on a great day. Again I was fortunate to sail on Wyvern with the boys. There was a 25-30 knot wind and quite a strong swell in the bay. The wind was ideal for Wyvern that performs best in strong wind conditions. We had two really great starts and one that was a little disappointing.  But each race was exhilarating and very competitive.  

There were nine yachts in each race with 4 of the Junior Pacer Dinghy fleet also joining in for Race 1. All yachts were closely packed at all of  the starts and there was some very tight tacks around the marks.  The two Etchell class yachts that competed had some good duals with some solid spinnaker work downwind.  The two Solings were a little less competitive but considering the crews were both getting to know new yachts it was not surprising. Wyvern was well placed at every mark with excellent strategic tacking.  When all yachts had crossed the finish line the tacking and angling for a good place on the starting line began.  All of the cruising yachts were close on all legs and with many close shaves when tacking.  At the end of the races the results were compiled with Wyvern winning Race 1 & 2 and coming second in Race 3 and thus winning the series. 

I had a ball - but unfortunately did not get to do a great deal.  I did manage the jib sheets when we had the sails "goose-winged", but was also valuable ballast on the reaching legs.

It was a fun sail and the great competition between yachts was enjoyed by all.  

We will see what next week brings. 'Til then...good winds and gentle seas.

Sunday sailing - the highs and lows!

It was disappointing that we missed the last of the Spring Series. through a lack of a competent helmsman being available. My number one helmsman was not down at Cygnet for the day and number two had eye surgery so it was a landlubber I be. Sad. Still this week I was able to crew for on Wyvern with the significant male and the Cap'n. This was one of those days when one wonders why we actually love sailing. The Cap'n loved it but for the first time I was feeling decidedly queezy.  Seasickness ! what me ? Never! Ha Ha. 

The weekend started poorly weather wise with strong winds, rain and snow on the mountains - lots of snow. For the non-Australian followers of this blog - if there are any - this is supposed to be early summer! It was bitterly cold and damp on Sunday and I thought it was an ideal opportunity to test out the new wet weather gear I had given myself for my birthday last month.  Rugged up with the full sailing suit and life jacket I was a good imitation of the Michelin man but for all that I was warm and dry. The race started at Cygnet and was to travel down the bay, into the Huon River estuary and out into the D'entrecasteaux Channel and into Esperance Bay. (See map) The three islands in the bay (Faith, Hope and Charity) had to be circumnavigated and left to starboard. The winds started light and thinking I would distribute my weight more evenly on board and keep out of the biting wind I would stand in the hatch way amidships. This worked a treat until we got blasted by a 30-35 knot wind straight of the mountains! Brrrr. Into the cabin this chicken hearted sailer disappeared. Hitting the 4-6 metre swell as we entered the Channel was not a pleasant experience. The yacht pounding through these waves threw me around a lot. Why did I ever shelter below? It was too difficult to return topside until we actually got into the shelter of the bay. Tossing around in high winds and a strong swell makes one certainly wonder why we were out there.  

Once around the islands and out of the bay were pounded our way back to the estuary and home but with a following sea the motion changes to more of a corkscrewing one. Still not fun but up on deck in my usual spot at the back of the yacht it was more tolerable.  It was a five hour sail and we were pleased to find many of the other competitors were still at the club house when we got back. We were starving.  The roughness of the journey making eating difficult and probably unwise. Fortunately I was by that stage feeling much better so a quick snack and the results were ready. We made it in fourth place with four yachts retiring before the race was half over and five finishing. There was only 6 minutes between first and second and barely a minute between each of the subsequent yachts so over such a distance it was great racing.  If we had not finally got nearly becalmed as the afternoon saw a great decrease in the wind, we may have done much better. Still a good effort considering the conditions.  I was pleased to find that I was not the only one to have seasickness problems with one of the guys on Soubrette really having a hard time of it.  He had to go below to patch a window that had got smashed by the waves and to bail the water out.  Being below played havoc with his stomach and unfortunately he lost his breakfast - which I fortunately did not. One of the women aboard the J26 Cio Cio San was also in a pretty bad way. We could all have a laugh about it afterwards thank goodness and as my significant other said - we finished! We did not give up and we made it safely to the end.  

Next week is a lightening series with three short races in quick succession. I hope to get a helmsman who will be willing to take me out on Pathfinder for some fun.  'Til the... good sailing

Spring Race 3

An opportunity to sail again today was much appreciated.  Keith agreed to helm as Jim was unavailable and a new sailor Gerain, who has barely ever handled a sail sheet, was promised a ride by my significant other!  Keen, enthusiastic and willing he was given an opportunity to tackle some quite blustery conditions.  Keith has never helmed Pathfinder or in a race,  however we gave it our best.  A stiff sea breeze saw us tacking furiously to windward to the furthest mark on the bay.  It gave us plenty of practice at tacking and really showed how poorly the yacht sails to windward. She certainly does not point well. Keith found it a challenge to get the best from her.  Reaching and running before the wind was far better but we were not able to make up much of the ground lost through poor sail handling and the problems sailing to windward.  There were 16 yachts again in the race and we were 9th on Handicap so we are consistent. More practice is really needed and Gerain is keen to have another go. Keith and I hope Jim will be available and willing again next week.   I will try to get Gerain a sail with one of the more experienced crews so he gets a feel for racing in a range of boats. 'Till the next time - happy sailing...

Spring Race 2

It was fortunate that I was able to convince Jim, a 60 year sailing veteran to helm for me in this race.  With Keith - also a veteran sailor - we made a valiant effort in very light winds.  Jim had many new ideas and is  an enthusiastic sail tweeker! So many changes and modifications were undertaken but few made much difference.  We were able to keep up with the slower boats in the field but had little hope of overtaking anyone.  I am convinced that Pathfinder does not like light winds. Considering the yacht has a beautifully clean hull one would have thought she would have been so much faster!  Handicap results saw us placed 8th out of 16 yachts so that was not too bad.

The day was beautiful, the sail was fun and the companionship and knowledge sharing was irreplaceable.  'Til next time...

Spring Series Race 1

It was a great day for a race. The sun was shining and a stiff 25-30 knot "breeze" was blowing.  No one was available to be crew on Pathfinder so it was pleasing that I was offered a sail on Wyvern. Racing was very competitive with a few really good groups of yachts challenging each other. This is the weather that Wyvern relishes and there were some really good opportunities to tussle with others.  It is not often that the boys get to pass other yachts but the conditions were just right.  

I was really only of any assistance in the setting up and packing up at each end of the day as Wyvern is usually managed very effectively by two crew.  However I learned a lot.  We were 5th on the day.  A poor start probably robbing the boys of a higher place.  A new person in the start box meant that the hooter went off  a few seconds early as against our timer and so we were not in the ideal position. As most race sailers would say - the handicappng - undertaken by a new person - was against us!  

I have asked an elderly gentleman who has been racing all his life if he would like to captain the Pathfinder for the racing and teach me to sail.  He does usually race with one of the other crews so I am not sure that this will be a possibility but fingers crossed!

'Till next time...

The Season has begun!

It is with great anticipation that we face the new sailing season.  With much agitating on my behalf I convinced the significant other in my life to pull out the Pathfinder for a bottom scrub. Before we progress too far on the explanation, remember that the last pull out was in March 2008.  

We had the sailing club open day on Sunday 12 October and we decided to take out Pathfinder as the Wyvern was on the slip for a clean and the boys still wanted to get on the water. The boat sailed like a lump of concrete was being pulled along! What an embarrassment.  I knew she would be a bit slimy but that could not have made such a difference. After the opening short course race, which was just a fun event, the club holds a social get together over a lovely meal. We had a pleasant afternoon but then as the Bosun was about to leave he suggested he could pull her out then and there! Well how embarrassing - the mussels, weed, baby barnacles etc. All the remaining members were amazed.  See the pictures here:- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/columbiasailigyachts/photos/album/746710938/pic/list

The saga of the antifouling purchase is just too much to put on this blog.  Suffice to say that we had lots of different and conflicting advice from experts and  non-experts alike. Two trips to the chandlery and three days of hard work and she looks like a new boat.  Now all we have to do is the brightwork and deck and she will be a beauty. 

I am hoping to race this season on Sundays and have a couple of people who have expressed an interest in crewing for me.  I need to ring a few before the weekend as the first serious race is next Sunday. 

'Til then ....good sailing

Alas the season is over...

Now that April is over so ends the racing season for the Port Cygnet Sailing Club.  The past two Sundays have had regular races  with 12-15 yachts taking part.  I was fortunate to sail with Coach Harry for both races and had a great time.  I learnt a great deal as per usual and found the Clansman to be a very stable and easy yacht to sail.  Harry has two speed winches on his yacht which are considerably different to ours and are probably something that we should seriously consider buying if we can spare the cash.  Jib sheet handling was much easier with such winches. I am hoping that, before the winter really settles in, we will get in some social sailing.  We still need to have a few drinks and a meal to celebrate the "Girls" taking to the water and completing the season. Life just seems too busy at the moment. I am really going to miss the Sunday afternoon sailing though.  

This week Peter will be installing the Navman Fishfinder that we are installing to use as a depth finder and also the new Navman Chart plotter so we will be  prepared for the next season.  The jib will need some repair before the winter, as will the deck sealing.  We have serious issues with water getting into the space between the fibreglass shells so we need to do some work on this before the rain really sets in.  

One notable success was the satisfactory completion of a Marine Radio Operators Certificate course!  Now I can legally use the VHF radio on board Pathfinder which we have yet to test. A two day course and an exam were required which proved challenging. I was delighted to learn that I passed with flying colours.  The next task is to get a motor boat license which one must have if in charge of a boat with a motor over 5hp.  Again this requires a practical and written test so I will endeavor to do this over the winter.  

Great sailing to all... 'til next time...

Racing again- Yippee!

Sunday racing is not a normal activity for me as I usually sit and enviously watch from the clubhouse whilst Peter and Stan do their thing. Peter had tentatively arranged with another guy to take Pathfinder out racing for the final three races of this season but I must admit to having felt unsure of sailing with someone who had never handled our yacht so did not pursue the option. I was dressed in my Sunday 'going to church' clothes so was a little nonplussed when asked by coach Harry if I would like to crew for him on his Clansman. After searching the back of the car I came up with an old pair of track pants and a wind-cheater  so was able to dress a little more appropriately. With the loan of a spray jacket and with my life vest (which I always keep in the car) I was ready to go - not elegant but definitely comfortable!  

The Clansman is a sleek and graceful yacht to watch and proved to be a very comfortable and yet exhilarating sail. We made an excellent start - perfectly timed and at the best end of the line for the weather. The race started in a stiff 15-20 knot breeze from the North East. The course was interesting. The first leg was sailed on a broad reach downwind and to the east. As we approached the first mark the wind dropped considerably and we were really struggling to make the buoy. Around the mark and across the base of the triangle close-hauled we were maintaining a healthy place in the field- well ahead of the other cruisers and not too far behind the racing class yachts. The third leg of the triangle proved to be affected much by the fickle breezes that are so frequently experienced in Cygnet Bay. Brisk breezes alternated with a whisper. Unfortunately we were passed by a Derwent class yacht and although we were able to keep up on the next leg we were never able to overtake. Throughout the rest of the race we had periods of pure exhilaration and other periods of frustration but it was just great fun. Harry and I worked well as a team and I really learnt a lot. I must say I also was delighted to realize that I was feeling so much more confident and competent. I felt a part of the yacht - in tune with the whole process. On the last leg we had a great tussle with another yacht called Snafu and it looked like she would cross the line ahead of us but we made the finish line just seconds ahead. I was able to manage all aspects of the sailing and mooring with few hassles and feel that I am now far less of a liability as a crew member. In the scheme of things we did quite well considering the weather. We came 8th out of 15 yachts. The slow pace in the middle of the race certainly did not suit the Clansman - she revels in strong breezes. I have been invited to sail again next week although Coach Harry's normal crew will be back aboard and there will be way less work for three crew! Still the temptation to relive the experience is strong...... 'Til next time.

Sailing reflections

Although the Twilight racing is over for the season, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to sail on both weekends since. The first weekend of March is the major Port Cygnet Regatta weekend. There are three races. Race one is from Hobart, the state capital, to Kettering - a quaint village about 20km south by road or a good 5 hour sail. This race starts in the evening and concludes in the dark. The next day the race leaves Kettering at 12 noon and the yachts race to Cygnet. Many Cygnet sailors go from home up to Kettering and then race back. 

We, my husband and I, left home at 5.15am and boarded Stan's Top Hat called Wyvern at the Port Cygnet Yacht Club. We motored up to Kettering - a trip of 5 hours. It was just before dawn when we left and it was just a magic experience watching the sun come up over the water. The air was cold and damp but very invigorating. Bacon sandwiches and hot coffee for breakfast were most welcome. The light breeze was not sufficient to mean that we could sail the distance but it did give us a little extra power to augment the motor. The journey was uneventful and we made very good time. In fact we were able to stop for morning tea and still have time to get the yacht prepared for the race. Wyvern is an heavy wooden yacht built in the early 1960s. She has few modern improvements but is maintained to a very high standard. There were 65 yachts entered for the race and they made a spectacular sight at the start with most flying a multicoloured kaleidoscope of spinnakers. Unfortunately the wind was very light at the start of the race and it took over three hours to sail less than 7 nautical miles even with the spinnaker up. My roll was to handle the spinnaker sheets, Peter handles the jib and Stan was on the tiller and main sheet.  A gentle breeze got up and that enabled us to get underway and we were able to move up through the fleet. I had my first opportunity to put my spinnaker folding and stowing into practice whilst underway and found that it was easier than I thought.  When we hoisted the spinnaker again it went up beautifully I am pleased to say, so all the reading paid off.  

As we turned into the Huon River a strong sea breeze blew up and made sailing under spinnaker a little tricky so we dropped the spinnaker again but did not detach it.  We moved into the river proper and were able to raise the spinnaker again. The run home was fantastic - just so exhilarating  with the yacht surrounded by half the fleet flying spinnakers.  The slow start made the possibilities of winning the event unlikely however we were, on handicap, 9th out of 65 yachts - an excellent result.  I loved every minute of it.  Peter even said how happy I looked!

Last Sunday I was able to join Stan and Peter on Wyvern in the Challenge race. This race went down the bay and into the main river. We then sailed north to Port Huon and then back to Cygnet.  The race again started in light air and we were lucky to actually catch a zephyr of a breeze that gave us a little bit of a lead on the other cruising yachts.  Once around the point and into the river the wind died to nothing and the water became a mirror.  There was not even enough breeze to keep the spinnaker aloft.  After almost an hour of drifting the sea breeze suddenly came in and we were flying. Some control of the spinnaker was needed by all with two of the other yachts broaching.  We were able to lower the spinnaker and raise the jib effectively and had another exciting beat to windward back to the Cygnet Bay.  We were well in front of our main opposition as we entered the bay but again the wind proved fickle and as it died away the other, lighter yachts were able to catch up a little.  Within 100 metres of the finish line there was almost no wind at all.  We were able to just drift over the line ahead of the competition. With only 7 yachts finishing we were placed 5th on handicap. A disappointing result but a great day's sailing.

These races gave plenty of opportunity for learning with spinnaker handling a particular challenge. Making the best of the light breezes was the main focus for much of both events.   There were some really exhilarating  and some frustrating times but the opportunity to be there on the water was just great! I am looking forward to sailing over the Easter break and  I hope to race again on the following weekend.  It is a Lightening pennant event with three short races in quick succession. I would just love to take Pathfinder but just finding a crew is the issue.  

The joy of sailing! Yeah. ' Til next time...

Final Twilight results

The Twilight Series for the Port Cygnet Sailing Club is a series of 8 races on every Tuesday evening for 8 weeks.  All competing yachts are given points that match their place on handicap at the end of the race.  The two biggest scores are dropped and the places are then totaled.  The yacht and crew with the lowest number of points wins the series.   This years series was won by Bianco.  Pathfinder and us girls placed 9th overall. It is impossible to be disappointed with a top 10 finish in our first season and is only more amazing when one considers that there were 30 yachts that scored points (ie. competed over the period of  8 weeks). So 9th out of 30 - what an achievement! Well done and thank you must go to the girls for their dedication, enthusiasm and for just having a great time!  The skills improved dramatically, the jokes were at times side splitting and the general camaraderie was just the best.  We achieved far more than just the places on the water.  Simply awesome......