B14 Australian Nationals in Hobart - Days 1 & 2

Day 1:

A lovely balmy day, interspersed with hail, snow and tropical cyclones. Wind strength was variable, from about 3knots to 32knots. The record fleet of 48 boats left the shore with plenty of time, for an early start ahead of the King of the Derwent.

We started with a port bias start line, with a late shift just before the start. It was a clean start in fairly light air, and the boats on the left picked up nice height and pressure, including MJF/North (Dave Hayes/Sean Dwyer), Bang Bang (Kieran Livermore/Jonathan Branch), Hunt Leather (Sophie Hunt/Andrew Payne) and The Nude (Richie Reynolds/Lissa McMillan). Most of the fleet went right but it didn’t pay. The first top mark saw MJF/North round first, followed by Bang Bang and Hunt Leather.

The wind filled in from behind, which saw a huge pile up at the first bottom mark. Quite a few capsizes, and some raised voices. On the second downwind leg, Last Gasp (Chris Bibby/Scott Cunningham) took advantage of some great pressure, then took over a couple of English boats on the way uphill. Last Gasp ended up first, with Anthill Mob second, (Tim Harrison/Jonathan Ratcliffe), and first UK boat, then Pigs Arse (Nick Richardson/Alan Nicholas).

The conditions during the race were an average of 20 to 23kts, with a few gusts of about 27kts. Somewhat extreme, at times, and there were a lot of capsizes, broken gear, and a fair lot of rescuing. The second race was postponed till tomorrow, just before a terrific 30+ knot squall with rain.

The fleet is primed for a great regatta ahead of the Worlds next week, well-organised by a very efficient team and lots of support, not to mention action in the bar. With the BBQ tonight and a 1300 start, there may be a few sore heads in the morning.

Day 2:

Day 2 started in a prevailing northerly in 15-20 knots with an expected afternoon sea breeze.

Race 2: Sailed in a steady pressure although shifts meant big gains or losses were there to be made. After numerous changes to the lead, AUS Toxic (Dave Lorimer / Raf Heale) came out on top from GBR Seavolution (Mark Barnes / Pete Nicholson) , GBR Hyde sails (Alan Davis / Toby Barsley-Dale), AUS Last Gasp (Chris Bibby / Scott Cunningham) and AUS Bonework (Rhys Bancroft / Joey Randell).

Race 3: Started with a Northerly 10 knot breeze and was all going well for 2 and a half laps when the race was abandoned just as the leaders were starting the last downwind and had the finish in their sights, due to a 180 degree windshift.

Race 3 re-sailed: The course was re-laid and sailed in a dying 5 knot southeasterly sea breeze, which was shortened at the last windward mark. After 2 and a half laps, GBR Seavolution took line honours. GBR Team Gill (Nick Craig / Mark Johnson) just got ahead of AUS The Nude (Richie Reynolds / Lissa McMillan) followed by AUS Pigs Arse (Nick Richardson / Alan Nicholas), GBR MJF/North (Dave Hayes / Sean Dwyer) and AUS Sly Bone (Guy Bancroft / Nick Darlow).

The race officers had their hands full with 2 starts abandoned due to wind changes and a general recall, an abandoned race and the final race needed to be shortened to stay within the time limit. After yesterdays carnage, the rescue crews had an easier day and could watch the racing.

Last night the fleet received a warm welcome by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Welcome drinks and a BBQ were enjoyed by all. The friendly fleet all joined in to celebrate the hapless calamities suffered by some sailors as they explained their exploits during the days sailing, in their “five minutes of fame”.

Results after Day 2: