Perth Sailing Club Commodore's Fun Race & Barbecue

On Saturday 11th the Commodore's Fun Race was held at Perth Sailing Club. Conditions looked promising for an exciting race and the event attracted a large entry of twelve boats with a further three boats taking advantage of the good sailing weather.

The Club Commodore (Bob Watson) set a number of tasks to test the sailing skills of all those who took part, including man over board, picking up "cargo" from the launching area and the most challenging task of all "stern-boarding" (sailing backwards).

It was Chris Watson sailing Eric Taylors Phantom (Cormorant) that took an early lead followed by the RS Quest helmed by Munro Gauld and crewed by daughter Molly. Andrew Porteous and Kieran Foley-Hall in the Albacore (Kelpie) were caught by the tide as were Jim Galloway in his Solo (Woodpecker) and taken up towards the Friarton Bridge.

There were a few instances at the first mark when the strong tide pulled a few boats into the mark, meaning penalty turns for many. It was a confused situation that greeted the cruise boat Badger as it motored through the fleet as most of the competitors had decided to conduct their man overboard exercise at the same time, boats stretched from one side of the river to the other and Badger was safely escorted through the fleet.

The real fun started on lap two with competitors trying their hand at backward sailing having to contend with a strong incoming tide, decreasing wind and general confusion. The situation had not improved by the time Badger and the other Cruise Boat Tera Nova appeared for their second run, both boats being once again being escorted through the fleet. It was clear to the race organiser that this part of the race was not going to be able to be completed by all. However at the front of the fleet the Phantom (Cormorant) had no difficulty and was storming ahead to complete the race some twenty minutes in front of his nearest competitor.

The cadets helming Fevas were trying their best to cope with the tasks, tide and wind conditions. Joe Gauld (Spring Feva) did an excellent job and managed to sail the course with cadet, Angus Burrows sailing the other Feva at the rear of the fleet. Anna Woodhead in the third Feva was pulled by the tide up towards the harbour and was recovered by the second rescue boat helmed by Phoebe and her friend.

With all the boats on the water it was hard work for Race Officer Anne Watson to keep a tally of all the boats and the finishing order. However it was Chris over the line first followed by Munro & Molly (RS Quest) and Jim Galloway (Woodpecker) in third place. First over the line for the Cadets was Joe Gauld with Angus Burrows second.

A BBQ held in the evening was well attended by the members, friends and families enjoying the good weather. The Commodore would like to thank Eric Taylor, Leonie Poor and Amanda Storer and all who put so much effort in to organising not only the BBQ but the weather to accompany the event. Thanks also to all who brought salads and puddings which were enjoyed by all.

Commodore's Fun Race Results:

1st Chris Watson (Cormorant)
2nd Munro.Gauld / Molly Gauld (RS Quest)
3rd J.Galloway (Woodpecker)

Cadets
1st Joe Gauld (Spring Feva)
2nd Angus Burrows (Feva)