Sailing Club

Tell Tales

Flying Fifteens & Keelboat “10+1” Shine in Wild Early-Summer Conditions

Apollo Bay delivered a dramatic mix of winter and summer on the water this weekend, but that didn’t stop six determined crews—five Flying Fifteens and the 40-foot keelboat,10+1, from putting on an impressive display of seamanship in the club’s latest race.

Despite the calendar insisting it’s early summer, sailors were greeted with multiple fast-moving weather fronts, complete with driving rain and punching gusts more reminiscent of July than December. The race committee elected to start early, identifying a narrow one-hour “weather window” before conditions were forecast to deteriorate further, and with the swell low and the sea state relatively stable, the decision was made to proceed.

What followed was a challenging but exhilarating contest that showcased the depth of sailing skill within the Apollo Bay community.

Throughout the race, winds fluctuated between 15 knots and 30-knot gusts, hitting hardest as each front swept across the bay. Visibility dropped at times in sheets of passing rain, and crews had to remain alert as conditions shifted minute by minute.

The Flying Fifteens—high-performance two-person dinghies known for their responsiveness—were worked hard, demanding precise trimming, excellent coordination, and constant situational awareness. Meanwhile, the larger keelboat 10+1 powered through the gusts with steady control, demonstrating the value of experience aboard a heavier vessel in lively conditions.

In weather that would challenge any sailor, all five Flying Fifteen crews, each helmed and crewed by experienced club members, completed the race safely and without incident. Their consistency and composure were noticed and praised by the duty safety boat, which monitored conditions closely throughout.

Given the unpredictable fronts moving across the course, the safety team considered shortening the race—a common precaution in volatile weather. However, with every crew handling the conditions superbly and showing strong awareness and capability, the decision was made to allow the full race to run.

It proved the right call: every boat crossed the line safely, demonstrating the club’s strong sailing culture, excellent training, and supportive race management.

Results

Days like this underline what makes sailing in Apollo Bay so special: a community of sailors who respect the sea, know their craft, and look after one another both on and off the water.

Congratulations to all Flying Fifteen crews and to the team aboard 10+1 for a race well-sailed under tough conditions. Special thanks go to the race officers and safety crew (John and Russ) for their professionalism and judgment during the rapidly changing weather.

With summer hopefully returning soon—and staying put—the club looks forward to more great racing in the coming weeks.

Life is good. Come Sailing!

To find out more please see our Facebook group - Apollo Bay Sailing Club.

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Many thanks to Bendigo Bank for their support of Learn to Sail at ABSC.