For the final regatta of the season our seven crews enjoyed a cool but sunny day with a challenging 8 knot westerly wind, gusting to 15 knots at times.
After a briefing from Bruce Davis all boats took to the water and lined up for the start of the first race. Unfortunately, Warwick and Kerry in Black Swan had an altercation with the start boat at the start and were required to do a 360 penalty turn. On the first beat to the windward mark, Jeremy and Gracie in Vin skipped away to lead rounding the mark, followed by Denis and Nola in Woody and Michael and Ros in Ralph Newman. They finished ahead of Helene and Skye in Dolly Wallis, David and Jenny in Eli D, one second ahead of John and Joe in Alex Martin, with the penalty turn causing Black Swan to come in at the back of the fleet.
With gusty conditions to contend with the second race was much closer, with Vin, Woody and Alex Martin battling for the lead, and this is how they finished, followed by Black Swan, Dolly Wallis, Eli D and Ralph Newman. The wind was proving unpredictable, with strong gusts in the centre of the course, but almost becalmed at the wing mark.
The final race again saw variable winds with Woody holding off a fast-finishing Ralph Newman and Eli D. Alex Martin managed fourth, followed by Dolly Wallis and Black Swan. Vin was not able to start as Jeremy had to take Gracie back to the dock,
The winners of the regatta were Denis and Nola, with Jeremy and Gracie second and Michael and Ros in third place. John and Joe finished fourth, followed by a tie between David and Jenny and Helene and Skye, and then Warwick and Kerry.
Despite the variable conditions, a great day was enjoyed by all who participated. A key part of the success of the day was the professional management of the races by Bruce and Pam Davis, the support provided by Jim and Clare on Charlies Chariot and the welcome sausage sandwiches and hot coffee after the morning racing, prepared by Michael.
Following the lunch, we presented the Wayne Black trophies for most consistent and successful skipper and crew over the three regattas and the winners were Denis and Nola. Congratulations to them both, and congratulations to all who participated, making our End of Season Regatta such a fun filled success.
