BRISBANE BLOG 10:
Choc-top-aholic time.
The feared southerly buster may not have full shown its strength yet but even so, all the signs were that racing at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron for the Australian Nationals would commence in so decidedly brisk conditions.
At the briefing for the helms, the visitors were again reminded by Event Manager Suellen Hurling that water is a scare commodity in these parts, in other words, “look at how green the grass is, don’t complain about the rain and don’t leave the hose running”.
The Committee Boat then headed off out into the bay to check on conditions, with many of the sailors wondering if sailing would be taking place today. Then the word was relayed back, 18-20 kts, the event was a ‘go’. However the wind strength was just part of the problem, for with the wind pinned in the south, a decidedly unwelcoming chop was building. First though the sailors had to leave the launching ramp, which meant getting the fixed rudder firmly fitted as the first move would have to be a sharp bearing away to race off down the central channel.
Quite a number of competitors had decided that the 18-20 kts as described by the Race Team was somewhat erring on the light side and therefore took the cautious approach and stayed ashore. For those that left their boats on the rigging lawn, the viewing platform at the far end of the point offered a view that suggested that the going out on the course pre start was brisk indeed. By now a number of boats could be seen to be in difficulties, with Tony Debney drifting ever further to leeward. Again, credit must go to the organising club for the speed with which they reacted to this situation, with extra rescue boats swiftly being manned and sent out onto the course. By now Tony was looking to have left the race completely, with the aid of the added resource he soon joined Sean Managh (broken forestay) on the long tow back in. This pair was joined by a host of other retirees, amongst which Scott McInerney suffered the huge loss of face with his fellow countrymen by being towed in by a Pom!
Out on the race course the conditions were a gift for local favourite Matt Mulder (see Brisbane Blog ‘Mulderlite’) who found that he had acres of space on the start line. Using his power sailing to its full advantage he blasted clear of the line, controlled the beat and was aware enough of the local freeing wind at the top mark to not worry about overstanding a little. With space and time to spare he consolidated his lead down the reaches, with only 7 times World Champion Andrea Bonezzi close enough to threaten down the run. Despite one very dodgy moment, when he caught a gust whilst looking back up the reach, it was all looking good for Matt, who has managed to combine the role of event organiser with that of being one of the main title hopes. By the end of the race, with the fleet reduced by 50%, Matt took the win from Bonezzi, with Jono Neate in third and an out of practice Simon Mussell in 4th. Special note must go to Aussie newcomer Dan Haydon, sailing in an old boat that weighs in at something over 100kgs (no one knows just how heavy the boat is – the scales were calibrated up to 100kgs, after that it was just ‘heavy’. Despite the disadvantage of his boat and 3 swims, Dan held on in there to finish, albeit last, but in these conditions that in itself is a worthy result. For the rest of the fleet the competition is all about who had the best ‘choc-top’, showing that once again the shallow sea bed of Moreton Bay had been dredged by a few mast heads. Modesty forbids that names should be named but for the sailor with mud down as far as his top batten (and you know who you are) – you won!
Forecasts for tomorrow seem to vary between those who predict a nice day (here – in Brisbane, you have to be joking) and those who are warning of more of the same. If it does blow again tomorrow, it would be a rash move to bet against Mulder increasing his advantage out at the head of the fleet.
David Henshall
Bearfacemedia/ Brisbane