18/12/18 race reports for december 16th - …race reports for december 16th catamaran report (phill...

Richmond River Sailing and Rowing Club website: www.rrsrc.com.au

P.O. Box 963 Ballina 2478

Newsletter Items, Idle Gossip, etc to [email protected] (deadline midnight Monday)

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Club Newsletter 18/12/18

Race Reports for December 16th

Catamaran Report (Phill Robbins)

Commodore Phill Robbins 0466668541 Vice Commodore Jonathan Horsley 0412798505 Rear Commodore Chris Hallett 0414866998 Secretary Nola Hallett 0414866999 Treasurer Norm Hunt 66291366 Class Reps Gennakers – Duncan Dey Catamarans – Col Woodbry Trailers – Ian Michie Monos – Graham Hams Rowing Officer Gerald Anderson Webmaster Mark Pierce Training team Graeme Turner

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CORRESPONDENCE TO: [email protected]

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Nine brave cat sailors/teams fronted up to the well-set starting line in reasonably gusty conditions. We could see that it was going to be tougher past the green channel marker as the NEer showed its full power. First incident was Col having his tiller extension come adrift (after not connecting it correctly) before the start. Col had been helping Max with the RIB then Andrew with his broken rudder box before the start and had to rush to get there. Ended up starting with the trailer fleet of two. An otherwise clean start with no fouls or sinking cats and we were away with ‘Neo’ on the boat end on the gun with a perfect start. But the first leg belonged to Michael in his A as he took off creating a huge lead in one leg. The strong incoming tide surprised several cats coming up short on the tack to the top mark, leading to the usual antics: second tacks, pinching and touching the mark. But the real fun began on the downwind. With Michael goonnne it was the 5.8 and two 4.5s around next. A touch of the mark leading to a 360 degree turn and then a nosedive for ‘Ozspray’ gave ‘Neo’ a big lead in third place. Chris had a super sub and could unleash his new square top main with some unseen speeds. On the other 5.8 Jonathan was not feeling well and did not fancy battling the conditions so pulled out. Chris ended up first over the line having pipped Michael on the A. Both deserve credit for doing so well in the difficult conditions. ‘Neo’ held down third outright until the last downwind run home when he was cruelly passed by the recovered ‘Ozspray’. ‘Wokat’ has improved noticeably this season with more consistent sailing and will not disgrace himself at the nationals. Norm also took a super sub in Seamus, who did the trapeze work and stayed onboard in an amazing display of balance for a new cat sailor.




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Gennaker Report (Michael Wiley)

Tom and Brendan in ‘Interceptor’ just blitzed it in the Gennaker fleet. We don’t really need to say anything else. But we will anyway. With the strong, gusty winds and the proximity of the rock wall discouraging any thought of loitering where you can come barging in on starboard tack, most boats sought a safe and clean port tack start. The art seemed to be in timing the run to the line. In the conditions, the thought of being over early and having to come back was a tad off-putting. ‘Interceptor’, followed by the RS100’s sailed by Vincent and Bill got the best of the start, with the F15’s, ‘Numero Uno’ (“NU” for short) with Dan and Anna, and ‘Mr Bond’ with Michael and Tara (‘Secret’ being the duty boat for the day), and the 49er with Liam and Ewan coming in a little behind.




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For several, the overall tactics were dominated by that ever-present rock wall, as much as the tide. There was a strong incentive to stay away from it; especially as a strong gust seemed to come through just as the “tack now, grounding imminent” buzzer was going off in your head. But ‘Interceptor’ undoubtedly handled the conditions the best, blasting to windward and tearing downwind in an error free demonstration of power sailing. Both RS100’s handled the conditions pretty well too and they had a close race all around the course which seemed little affected by capsizes and other disasters. The 15’s and the 49er had more trouble handling the ‘10 knot suddenly gusting to 22 and backing 30 degrees’ conditions, often being overpowered with their large rigs and light crews. There were several capsizes through tacks and a spectacular one by ‘NU’ in a two sailed gybe at the lee mark. There were also some double tea bags as the aforementioned gusts died to 5 knots and concurrently knocked. Although unwitnessed, ‘NU’ had a highly mentionable double tea bagging where Anna was thrown about like a rag doll as she was first deposited in the tide, then flung backwards in a U shape against the boat as a gust brought it upright before suffering several other indignities, including finding her head down in amongst the chainplates, as a prelude to normalising her sailing stance. A few early capsizes by ‘Mr Bond’ initially gave the lead in the 15’s to ‘NU’. But where ‘Mr Bond’ seemed able to settle the boat to the conditions by the second lap, the time ‘NU’ spent recovering from a capsize to windward in the gybe handed the lead to ‘Mr Bond’ and was a prelude to a series of misfortunes for ‘NU’ that eventually resulted in it recording a DNF, as did the 49er. However, while ‘Mr Bond’ might have got ahead of ‘NU’, there was no catching ‘Interceptor’ which took line and VYC honours.




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Monohull Reports (Trent Morgan)

The forecast was plenty of wind and that’s what we got. A reduced fleet from previous weeks was the result and unfortunately it also meant the beginning pacer racers missed out on racing. However, rewards were there for those who persevered, whether with a good result, or some exciting bursts of speed downwind. Six boats signed on, one didn’t start – Paul in ‘Raver’, one didn’t finish – championship leader Graham, in ‘Alter Ego’.




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Many thanks to newcomer Max in the rescue boat, ably assisted by Barry. They set a good start line. Although with a solid port bias it was still possible to start either way. A surge of wind came through during the start count down which really made it interesting. With ‘Alter Ego’ hugging the start buoy coming through on starboard, ‘Puddleduck’ cruised along the line on starboard prior to the start, tacking onto port as the gun went, right on the start boat. It was a good start for both but their paths intersected and ‘Puddleduck’ had to dip behind ‘Alter Ego’ soon after. ‘Hamin’ it Up’, ‘Olde Golde’ and ‘Retro’, all came through the line on port a bit later. It didn’t take too long to realise for all the monohulls that this wind had some serious intent in it. As we progressed up the course on the first work we were pretty much getting belted. Battling the incoming tide, swell and intense gusts it seemed like trying to paddle out the back on a surfboard in a giant swell – in other words, getting nowhere. Each gust making it feel like it was like trying make headway against a wall. Cameron in ‘Hamin’ It Up’ eventually overtook ‘Puddleduck’ after a series of tacking exchanges, but not before Graham in ‘Alter Ego’ ‘pulled up his stumps’ and went home. From Trent and Daisy’s perspective it seemed odd that Graham was not really putting much distance on them prior to this. It felt we were all being driven sideways to some degree on this work and clearly there was too much oomph in this breeze for the club champ to be competitive – it was probably a matter of – ‘this is too much’ – and he would have been right – it was! At this point of the race the only enjoyment Trent was experiencing was the thought that he would have a good sense of satisfaction if ‘Puddleduck’ finished. Some distance into the first leg Graeme in ‘Retro’ overtook ‘Puddleduck’ as well, ‘Puddleduck’ learning how to tack in such conditions the hard way, at one point travelling about twenty metres backwards at speed when caught in irons, and with Trent realising on about the third attempt to steer out of it that everything works in reverse. Post-race Des disclosed gleefully that he sincerely loved watching ‘Puddleduck’ going backwards, closing the gap between both boats. It’s possible that he was rubbing his hands together! It seemed that nearing the top of the course for the first time the enormous wind surge which had hammered the monos for most of the leg finally eased a bit. There were many strong bursts of wind again going up wind but nothing seemed to be as intense as that first work. Daisy expressed that she didn’t mind at all if ‘Puddleduck’ pulled out on the first run back to the club, thankfully she was happy to continue – her father on the next work trying to help her perspective on it all by suggesting that she look upon it like being on a ride at Mullumbimby Show (something she likes). This was met with a firm – ‘”I want my money back!”. Despite this she was very happy that she persevered to the finish and could be fully justified in feeling that same sense of satisfaction in finishing the race in such testing conditions. Full credit should be given to the four who finished for not capsizing once. In ‘Puddleduck’s’ case, the main was eased permanently for nearly all of the works, many times the jib needed easing too to prevent capsize. Great credit must be given to Graeme in ‘Retro’ for keeping upright – he is fast improving with his newly cut down rig. He kept Cameron honest throughout the race, finishing only three minutes behind him across the line. Des was giving ‘Puddleduck’ a good race at the back of the fleet. On the second work the two boats were in a bit of a dual, a couple of times nearly intersecting on opposite tacks, before the ‘duck’ escaped. Once this running order had been established on the first leg it didn’t change. Cameron – managing his boat well maintaining his lead, Graeme steady and in control as best as could be, ‘Puddleduck’ basically in ‘just get around the course mode’, and Des valiantly pursuing at the back. After the yardstick magician had waved his wand Cameron finished first with a well-deserved win, followed by ‘Puddleduck’, ‘Retro’ and




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‘Olde Golde’. Many thanks again to the rescue boat crew, all volunteers who helped with setting up and putting away the rescue boat (usual culprits – Jonathon Horsley, Chris Hallet, Col Woodbry and maybe others?), Gunter in the tower, and the kitchen crew – Barry and Anna, and Meredith for kitchen preparation and snacks at the end of the day! It was lovely chatting and snacking after the race.




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Trailer Sailor Report (Colin Hinwood)

The day was a December Northerly, with heavy threatening skies, & low scudders flying along over the beach. Nothing like our friendly Nor Easters. BoM had dropped the 20-30knots to 15 to 20. & that was smack on, ok .. some sections were into the 20s. Looking out onto the course at briefing, the wind was around 12knots & the river looked peaceful .. By the time we got out there, it was sorting itself out, with puffs starting to hint on the day ahead. Still missing some boats, it was ‘Treasure Isle’, ‘Shades’ & ‘Rabbit’ to make up the fleet. ‘Incy’ turned up & .. vanished .. I noticed the other fleets were down as well. So we left the beach, went thru the usual sorting ropes out .. popped up the kites, untangled them to pack away for a nice first set .. but wait .. ‘Shades’ is doing gyrations in the 15 knot breeze .. We have all been there .. no matter what happens in sailing with knockdowns & things breaking … there is something surreal about looking back & seeing the rudder .. in the box .. but .. at a funny angle .. I mean you must know what you’re looking at but .. doesn’t quite gel.




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‘Shades’ eventually got it’s kite down & headed for the beach in some desperate attempt to get it all back together for the race … still time … but .. give up .. bugger!! Needed an angle grinder to get it sorted. To make it more cruel for ‘Shades’, the wind direction & strength meant the downwinds had some great angles .. like blow like crazy at that perfect angle that just sits the boat up & .. goes. Spider Perfect!! There is no doubt that Spiders would have finished 1 2 3 on the day .. the wind was just too good .. ‘Rabbit’ elected for a little reacher, & had only 1 gybe all day, & was glad of the wimpy decision, with some heavy wind sections over 20. The usual wind corridor between top mark & the sand spit, sent the skiffs absolutely flying .. cats too of course, but speeds had to be the max .. surely ... The course was our normal Northerly track, with cats & monos electing to do the triangle, & gennakers & trailers to windward leeward. It did separate the [smaller] fleet nicely, & reaching to the club each time does suit 2 sail boats. ‘Treasure Isle’ having reduced its spinnaker wardrobe last week, was probably happy with the smaller kite choice,.. as the wind built & built, still sending it planing along nicely. Charlie on board was probably calling for a bigger kite but .. have to see what Santa brings .. The works were pretty solid, & first beat saw us all tacking & tacking, but the wind went a tad more North so we all ended up with only a couple of tacks to get the job done. Then .. with good pressure .. make the bottom mark just .. without a gybe. Against the Spiders, probably would have sailed hot all the time, so a couple of gybes would have been on. We did 5 times around the top mark & spent about 100mins racing .. nice. Coolest thing was the foiling knee boards .. or whatever you call them. After they got used to us .. we would be flying along under kite & they would be alongside us giving cheek .. weirdest thing we ever did see ..hope someone got a photo as I can’t describe it all .. just … weird !! Makes you feel unsure about what you think is … coming .. Apparently they have a Lithium? probably .. battery inside the board, & a wrist controller ..but so effortless & stable. Nationals Time – January sees Ballina competing in Rs 100s, 15’ skiffs, Nacras at Forster, then down south for Taipan, 16’ & 18’ cats .. busy boy that Wil, & probably others I don’t know about. A few of our yachts are also doing Sail Paradise in Jan at Southport .. lotsa stuff happening for the lucky ones .. Merry Xmas all & see you 13th January for first sail of ..2019..




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STARTS WITH COL HINWOOD In the words of Col…. I did a piece after the stuff ups of last Sunday (the 9th), one causing serious damage. This season we have seen some desperate moves, with way too many start line mishaps.

Start Line Rules Anyone who ventures into Racing Rules advice sets themselves up for ridicule so .. be kind .. Sure .. ok .. read the Racing Rules of Sailing but .. they can be a bit daunting .. also a bit boring .. There are 2 Rules that pretty well cover most situations, so when in doubt on the race course , just do a mental check for these. There are whys’ & wherefores’ and variations but these 2 are the core Rules. 1. Port – Starboard .. pretty obvious ..

2. Windward Boat Keep Clear .. this just makes sense .. like if you overtake, or find yourself to

Windward of a boat .. you .. not the other boat .. have to keep clear of any move the other boat

makes .. like if she/he wants to go up .. then up you go to stay clear. They don’t have to behave

themselves .. you have to keep clear. [They do have to allow you time to get out of the way but

.. still .. keep clear]

Start Line … last Sunday Pointscore 101218, the Start Line had the Starboard end favoured. Every boat wanted to stay right out on the right hand side, & build up speed & swoop across the Line at the Mark [this time a buoy but most times a Boat]. Pretty damn cool. But wait … like everyone has the same idea !! The Rule that applies is … Windward Boat Keep Clear. easy !! no excuses .. Keep Clear The actual Mark is immaterial .. doesn’t exist .. If it means missing the Start Mark? .. Keep Clear .. bad luck .. do a tack & go around again & start behind everyone else!! If it means being forced to cross the Start Line before the gun? .. bad luck .. across you go & round the end to Start again. No “Buoy Room”, no “ Barging” .. .. Windward Boat Keep Clear .. one Rule … easy .. Doesn’t mean hang back.. doesn’t mean don’t try to “win the start” to be a hero .. it just means that if you try it on .. & it doesn’t work out .. then be prepared to surrender & go back around. Beware of Adrenalin over-ruling common sense, making you desperately try to squeeze between a boat & the “Mark”. A Start where Start Boat is on favoured end. [can be a big ugly 40 footer] Slightly more complicated .. but same stuff really .. if you try to squeeze in & you are windward boat .. & miss .. be prepared to go round & do it again … always remember .. you have no rights !! zero .. nada .. You are like a naughty puppy trying to steal a slipper .. sneeeky !! & when caught - run ..don’t stay & argue.. arguing just loses time .. you could have crossed & ducked around the Start Boat to Start again & this could be a winning move ..




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There is one difference where things we can crash into are involved .. a boat is ALWAYS allowed to squeeze in, if it means otherwise she/he would have crashed into something [not a rubber Pinkie] .. a Start Boat .. a Channel Marker .. a rock wall ..always that boat is allowed to squeeze past … & then .. can be Protested for breaking a Rule .. like Windward Boat Keep Clear !! If you stuff it all up .. just go & do your Penalty turn & come back to the racing .. it’s all in the fun. The LEETLE thingo that’s a bit different is .. once you are actually level with the Start Boat .. [might be that 40 footer Start Boat] .. like you got there without breaking the Windward Keep Clear rule, then .. you are safe .. you cannot be pushed into the Start Boat, you cannot be penalised for being windward boat & not keeping clear.[cause you .. can’t !! without hitting]. Complicated .. no just common sense .. Keep Clear but if you then cannot !! then .. safe for a brilliant Start .. maybe.. But Wait .. is it all really worth it ?? the risk of a Penalty, risk of collision, risk of being jammed into a pack? At an O/D National Titles, the boat alongside you might .. beat you by 10 seconds .. so a good Start is important. But in Club racing in our river, the most important thing is .. get a Start so that you have clear air – like not having a boat spilling bad air into the your sails the whole way up the beat = s l o w ..- then - “freedom to tack”, as in you have this brilliant plan involving the Tide & Wind .. .. right ..! but if you are hemmed in, & the boat above you is quite happy to sail into oblivion, & you can’t tack safely then .. there goes the Plan … man ..girl .. A “Good Start” is not being on the Line at the gun, at the favoured end .. corny .. not enough .. it’s being able to sail like buggery up the beat, & do that brilliant tack across the front of the fleet … cool !! [cause they have been fighting all the way up !!]. So sometimes a Start down the Line, .. when everyone else is hassling each other at the favoured Mark end …. is a winning move .. ain’t always obvious .. the game is winning .. the RACE .. not the Start! .. Early Days Yet in this Race …




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IMPORTANT INFO FOR USERS OF CLUB LASERS

Laser top and bottom sections need to be assembled in a particular way, or the top-section can snap. (See pic) All club Laser mast sections have a blue arrow on them (see pic). For correct assembly, the arrow on the top-section should meet the arrow on the bottom section (see pic). If the arrows on your two mast sections meet, but the sections don’t slot in together, you’ve selected either two top-sections, or two bottom-sections. While the club encourages innovation, this mast

configuration will probably not work! Happy Laser sailing, cheers Mark




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Club Shirts

(As worn by Secretary Nola and Commodore Phill –

reflective safety vest optional)

Here’s your chance to wear the colours of your club, to proudly display what you do every Sunday – wear a club shirt! Royal Blue Club shirts payment required at time of order into RRSRC account with your name as reference BSB: 728728 ACC: 22288328 Email or text Nola with size [email protected] or 0414 866999

Mens Long sleeve polo - $37 Short sleeve polo - $35 Cotton T-shirt - $20 Ladies Short sleeve polo - $31 Kids Cotton T-shirt - $17





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Idle Gossip – Please send anything interesting sailing or club related to [email protected].

It is that season. Merry Christmas all and happy sailing!

Upcoming Away Events

• 29th December - 5th January - Nacra Nationals

• 23rd February 2019 – ‘The Great Race’ – Southport Yacht Club Hollywell Sailing Squadron to Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron





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• 16th/17th March – BRSC (Harwood) Annual Regatta Sat/Sun

• 4th/5th May – Bay to Bay If anyone knows of any more events or would like an event posted please let me know – [email protected]





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Wotif Offer to our Club!

Book your next travel or accommodation with Wotif and quote this code: ASF043153 and we will receive a donation from Wotif. Support our club when you or your family or friends travel.

Crew Available/Crew Wanted

If you need some crew or are wanting to have a sail in a race please make your intentions known here by contacting [email protected]





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For Sale/Wanted/Free to a Good Home

If you have any sailing related items for sale or if you want to buy something sailing related and want it put in the newsletter please let me know – [email protected]

Gill Boot I can bring them to the club on Sunday so people can try them on pre or post-race - Laura [email protected] Barely worn Size 39 (UK/Australia 5.5) $80 (down from $110) • best trapeze boot out there! • 5mm neoprene for warmth

• wrap around super grip sole natural rubber (non-marking) • and reinforcements on toes and heels and sides for protection • non-ferrous zip with Velcro to keep it in place • unisex colours






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Post Race




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More photos from last Sunday




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18/12/18 race reports for december 16th - …race reports for december 16th catamaran report (phill...

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