Racing Report - West Harbour Summer Series 2014 Race 3

February 22, 2014

Conditions leading up to the start of Race 3 of the West Harbour Summer Series Race 3 looked bleak, with zero to 2 knots at most observation points within the Sydney region. There was a forecast Southerly that looked to be a long way off with half an hour before the start of the race. However, with just a few minutes to go before the start boat was due to commence the countdown, the strong South-Easterly struck with winds in excess of 30 knots, accompanied by scattered showers.

The off-putting conditions saw a fleet of just 23 yachts turn up on the day.

Division 1, with 14 starters, saw Ray Parrot's X-Yacht, 'X-Ray' dismasted under spinnaker on the return leg from Goat Island. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

DSC's Adam Baggett's Farr 1020 'Ten Speed' crossed the line in first place to win on handicap ahead of BSC's Ray Theedan's recent acquisition, the Jeanneau 40', 'Panacea', who benefitted from the stronger breeze at the start of the race to place second. Third place went to BSC's Peter Oitmaa's Etchells 'Saaremaa'. DSC's Paul Henke impressively completed the course with the fastest elapsed time on his Adams 10 'Boxer' to place forth.

In Division 2, BSC Director Lyn Evans' Folkboat 'Tookie' sailed an excellent race (also benefitted from the strong winds at the start of the race) to place first, well ahead of second placed 'Atara', the Beneteau 345 skippered by the DSC's Ken Conyard. Phil O'Toole's Northshore 340 'Phlyn' placed 3rd. 'Witchways II', the Endeavour 26 skippered by Jeff Finnegan, was enjoying the race so much that he sailed an additional leg to finish last. The fastest elapsed time in division 2 went to Carol and Sue on their Hanse 350 'Les Girls 2'.

After 3 races 'Saaremaa' now leads the series in Division 1 with 10 points, closely followed by the BSC's Pat Nash on his Etchells 'Samson' on 12 points. Sharing equal 3rd place on 14 points is the DCS's Yacht Division President Steve Piper on his Adams 10 'Coconut Telegraph' and the BSC's Doug Clark on his Adams 10 'Madge'.

BSC's Tommy Richardson on his UFO34 'Amon Re' is leading the series in Division 2 with 11 points, closely followed by Carol Criddle's Hanse 350 'Les Girls 2' with 13 points and Ken Conyard's 'Atara' on 14 points.

The Drummoyne Sailing Club hosted a well-attended post-race sausage sizzle and prize-giving.

With 3 races to go and 1 discard that has yet to be applied, our first ever inter club Summer pursuit series is proving a success with 59 entrants.

Proud Sponsors of the Balmain Sailing Club