Pittwater to Pittwater Race Underway

January 2nd, 2008

The recent battering of horrid weather has etched its way into the history books with the announcement that the annual Pittwater to Coffs Harbour race coping a course change resulting in the inaugural Pittwater to Pittwater Race.

It’s an absolute shame that conditions are causing the unprecident change with some crews opting to ditch the race altogether and make their way to Coffs by plane to enjoy a holiday with their awaiting families.

The decision is never easy for committees to make in these circumstances, however the safety of the competitors and yachts is paramount, with no second questioning on the decision.

Now we aren’t stupid. Obviously the decision was made due to conditions that could be experienced with actually gaining access to the marina at Coffs Harbour. Yachts need to sail between Mutton Bird Island and a man made break wall in order to berth, and conditions through this narrow entrance have been known to not only batter and bruise many a yacht, but also smashed them to smitherines…

But has this change of course for an offshore race set a predicent for other offshore events? Would the Sydney to Hobart potentially become the Sydney to Sydney if conditions were that bad?

What about the Sydney to Gold Coast and Sydney to Southport races? Another two races that could potentially become the Sydney to Sydney… (It’s not all about Sydney!)

Sailing at Six

January 4th, 2008

Photo Source

We have been trying to run Australian Championship regattas since the 27th December 07.

The Cherubs got in an Invitation Race, however all other classes have been grounded.

Well that’s about to change. From 0600 this morning (Friday 4th January) racing will commence for the Cherubs with the aim of getting in four races. Their regatta ends tomorrow and another effort to run four races will be made meaning their Australian Championship will have eight races. (Class rules limits racing to a maximum of four races a day.)

It’s been an extremely frustrating time for the sailors, especially those who travelled from as far away as Perth (of course everyone is equally frustrated though). These conditions are very abnormal with last years round of Aussie Champs racing in a consistent 12 knots.

The Contenders are trying for five races today, and the Taipans four. However for the Taipans, all hopes of having an 07/08 Australian Championship have blown out the window…

The 16′ Skiffs are racing as per scheduled today and with the forecast looking to improve over the next few days, the sailors are confident their regatta will not be placed in jeopardy like the others.

We have been monitoring the conditions everyday, and this morning is the first time we have observed not only less than 25 knots, but less than 20. It’s a very exciting morning!!!

No reason to hold onto your hats in anticipation for the results. The skies have cleared, and we are ready to race!

Rainy sailing, but it’s still sailing!

January 5th, 2008

16′ Skiffs sailing in very rainy overcast windy conditions
Photo by Mike Cleveland (Marine Photography)

After days (a week) of horrid weather, racing was able to commence for the Contenders, Cherubs and 16′ Skiffs who are contesting their Australian Championships at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Unfortunately the Taipans regatta was non-existent… Very sad indeed…

Mike Cleveland of Marine Photography was on the water the capture the overcast action!

Check out his photos here. Due to a “technical glitch” Mike hasn’t been able to upload photos to his website, however check it out anyway, because photos will be there soon. Mike is back on the water today snapping the action.

There was a sigh of relief from the competitors as racing got underway.

Although it’s still raining, the wind has eased dramatically with what was looking like a heavy weather regatta, now becoming a drifter…

I wish Mother Nature would make up her damn mind for once…

Team Meow Loses a Kitten

January 7th, 2008

LSD reader Sea Bogan is on (and off) the wire of a 16′ Skiff known as “Team Meow” for the Australian Championships which are currently being raced on Waterloo Bay.

The crew on board are out there for a laugh, and to experience the competitive racing on their home waters.

But at one point Team Meow lost a kitten…

After rounding the bottom mark the kite still isn’t packed. COME ONE MARKY!