Sailing Club

Tell Tales

End of season finale & celebration BBQ was a blast!

Although the sky was overcast, a stark contrast to the stunning weather we’ve enjoyed recently, the sailors were buzzing with anticipation of a predicted 10 knot wind being forecast from the east northeast with a low swell. Pre-Race we were delighted to see Kev having a great sail in the Hansa 303. Kev’s been busy with house additions and work commitments this season, so he was back with a beaming smile and great appetite for the joy of sailing. On Duty this week were Jess & Gary from Windswept with Edmond. Thanks Edmond! The fleet this week consisted of five Flying 15s and two keel boats. Everyone loves a sailing day!!

Skiffle Beat – What the?

What a race! What a season! What enthusiasm! What a crew! What boat! Is that replacement mast so much better that the old one? Is it the skipper?? Was it just a freak timber deck day? What an improvement! What a performance!!

Paul Heland and Kelly Hurley sailed their race of the season on Saturday. Paul was ‘hoping to be in the mix’ but applied massive pressure to the entire fleet, causing a HUGE finale upset. Despite Black Pearl nailing nearly every shift and efficiently flying their kite on all reaches, Skiffle Beat inexplicably remained within 1 to 2 thirds of a leg from the Pearl. Similarly, Skiffle Beat were clear ahead of the trailing 3 Flying Fifteens, no doubt leaving each of them in awe of SB skiffling along and convincingly beating their stable mates on every measure. A very memorable and impressive sail team SB congratulations and thank you for making the season a great experience for everyone!

Nail bitting end for the 2024-2025 racing season

The start was an orderly affair with Black Pearl crossing first followed by Skiffle Beat which set the order for the entire race. Positions after the first lap where Black Pearl, Skiffle Beat, then Euffamism and then in quick succession Aphrodite, SOTA &10+1 followed by Boheme. April Dancer’s precise and consistent competitive form was notably missed on Saturday even though the reduction in pressure on all competitors was a great relief! Positions jostled but the pressure game focused on time margins which would determine the Handicap Champion for the 2024/25 season.

The extremely worthy handicap champion, Windswept, was on duty so they would be awarded average handicap championship points (2) for this final race and leave the door open for either 10+1 or Black Pearl to possibly get the bullet (1^st place and single point) to win the series. At the post-race festivities, 10+1’s confidence in congratulating all competitors was apparent. Their relentless determination to do better on all transitions and boat trim may have paid off.  Whilst they didn’t finish first, they would have enjoyed the relief of getting past Skiffle Beat just before the finish to wishfully secure a 1^st handicap position. But by just 14/100ths of a handicap percentage point, 10+1 had missed their target. Considerable banter continued at the BBQ. As the handicapper was in Tasmania, no official end of season results could be announced. Likely champions are 10+1, Windswept and Black Pearl each possibly separated by one point or not. Presentation night on Friday May 2^nd at the Bottom Pub will see the verified official results revealed.

May 17/18 Marathon Weekend

Volunteers needed across the weekend. This is the biggest fundraiser for the club and every volunteer makes a difference. Please ENSURE YOU get your name down ASAP. Text Paul on 0478615523 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Presentation Night Friday 2^nd of May

From 6:30pm at the Bottom Pub in the SS Casino /  Krambruck Room for meals and Presentations. All welcome to enjoy a great night together using the new bigger and better projector to have good look at many great photos and celebrate the super season we’ve all enjoyed. Bring your friends and family. RSVP to Jesse 0417 289 966. Junior Sailing families are welcome too!!

Results - Final Race

Life is good. Come Sailing!

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