Sailing Club

Tell Tales

Friday 

Learn to Sail recommenced for the first session of term 1 on Friday and the weather was magnificent. Light southerlies, sunshine and smooth smooth harbour water. Three Pacers and three Optimists were rigged after Toby and Edmond kindly bought many boats over prior to the session.

It was real treat to see Jem and Alexander getting started in solo sailing an optimist whilst Oscar zipped around laughing and smiling from his Optimist. Edmond sailed solo in a Pacer focussing on his anchor work to ensure he could be confident to secure his craft in the event of a mishap. Will, Harry and Millie enjoyed their pacer as they have regularly over the summer break. Toby and Merri continued to get comfortable in the boat whilst being super supportive.

Saturday

A day for lovers, well Yes and No! Much Love was had at Briefing as we celebrated the Commodore’s Birthday (Bruce’s 64th) & of course our love of sailing. Briefing was as vague as the wind conditions which were proving more variable than predicted. A course was set to the expected wind direction and all was in readiness for a Start. 

This is where the Love was tested. With all 5 yachts in close quarters seeking the same spot on the start line for the optimal advantage, it was always going to end in a tight spot. No love lost

With the fleet away and Euffamism heading off on port tack, others noticing their advantage followed suit. By the Top mark, April Dancer had taken the lead, followed by Affrodite, Euffamism, Black Pearl and State of the Arc.

With spinnakers flying on a fairly tight reach, always a beautiful sight in the Bay, positions appeared pretty stable initially. However, Spinnaker work was to prove pivotable today with the variable winds making these legs tricky to keeps sails under full pressure.

A great battle ensued between April Dancer and Affrodite with Affrodite catching and passing AD twice upwind and AD passing them twice on spinnaker legs. This is where Geraldine's birthday gift to Bruce became apparent with her work on the spinnaker, Bruce insisting on extra gybes going down wind to keep momentum up and pressure in their sails.

As this was happening Black Pearl, with excellent crew Hans on board, continued to make up ground after opting to perform penalty turns after the start. Euffamism was also tracking well and was having a strong second half also appearing to be making ground on the leaders.

After nearly 90 minutes of sailing the gap between 1st and 3rd was a mere 24 seconds with 4th and 5th not too far back. Great sailing all.

Whereas on the Duty boat a new meaning was given to the saying “Anchor’s Away” (an in joke I choose not to elaborate on!) Thanks go to Anton and Russell for sorting out our misadventure.

Results

Duty - Paul Heland & John Marriner

Affrodite - S: Tim Cobb, C: Chris
April Dancer - S: Bruce Johnson, C: Geraldine Johnson
Euffamism - S: Peter Bourne, C: Anton Tibbits
Black Pearl - S: Peter Geekie, C: Hans Van Santen
SOTA - S: Igor Tesic, C: Inala Schwartz

This Saturday there will be a BBQ following Sailing. All welcome. There may even be a surprise. Come and check it out from a quarter to 5 at the sailing club.

It's looking like there will be a 3rd consecutive light easterly wind this weekend. Pleasant summer sailing in warm air, warm water and t-shirts!! Apollo Who?

Life is good. Come Sailing!

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

New Members Always Welcome!

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