Sailing News
Princess Royal Sailing Club
Faster Triumphs in Fierce Winds
Div2 skipper, Gary Eaton, put Faster through its paces in a dashing performance in atrocious conditions in Saturday's harbour course event.
The strong easterly was piping in around the 30kn plus mark with many skippers opting not to venture out for safety reasons. This left only five yachts from Div2 to compete and two of those retired from the race. It was a scheduled King George Sound race but common sense prevailed and a harbour course was chosen.
Stephen Brown had a brilliant start with Mary Maitland with a reefed main and a tiny sail resembling a handkerchief for a jib - and it worked well. All yachts had reduced sails as they splashed and bounced their way around the turbulent harbour waters.
Josh Hughes, in Joker, normally has a close encounter with Brown in most races but couldn't get close. Neil Worrell had Zuri moving well but was force to retire when one of his crew became ill. When the wind didn't slacken as was the forecast, Karen Timmins called it a day with Grey Moose.
Josh Hughes, in an attempt to close the gap between him and the leaders, threw caution to the wind and hoisted a spinnaker on one long leg, and made up some time. Meanwhile, Faster was increasing its lead at every mark and went on to win in a powerful display. The yacht finished more than seven minutes ahead of second place getter, Stephen Brown, followed by Josh Hughes who took third spot.
Flying Fifteens will have a bigger fleet in the future with Wayne North joining with his new yacht. It should be interesting from now on in this fleet.
Picture: Top Gun. Gary Eaton puts Faster over the line for a comfortable win on Saturday.
Juniors
Sailing will go ahead on Saturday at 9am.
If you're able to help in the canteen or on the water, please email Lisa on ofarrelldairy@gmail.com.
Easter Regatta
PRSC hosts the Easter Regatta on 11 and 12 April with short-course format, windward-leeward racing. Nominations are now open here and the Notice of Race can be found here:
Accommodation is available via PRSC at the Rifle Range for visiting sailors or those who have extra family members looking for somewhere great to stay.
All types of boats are invited and will race against similar boat speed craft. Short course racing is a good way to test a crew's sailing skill!
Local sailors are encouraged to sail, and for those who are available to volunteer, there is always a job for you. Please contact me on 0408 492 157 to volunteer.
Neil Worrell, Sailing Director
Race Day Photos
To see more of Des' photos, including some contributions by others, see the link below.