It was a wet and wild westerly out on Jervis Bay for the first round of the Double-Handed Championship — and what a day it turned out to be!
The morning started calmly with the bay very glassy, but just as the fleet pushed off the beach with a potential nor’easter, the nor’wester decided to crash the party. Coming in red-hot at 18-22kts, boats were flying a hull on water that was still glassy. Chris and Howard joined Race Officer of the day Adrian on the start boat, doing their best to set a course in the shifting breeze and keep an eye on the fleet — no small feat in the building chop!
Andrew McKenzie and Craig Hatton were flying the flag on the Turbos, while Fionnbarr, Jeremy Lawson, Glenn Gilbert, Dobbo, Doug, and Steve battled it out on the Hobie 14s. On the 16s, it was Paddy & Bridget, MB & Lily & Mel, Jamie & Violet, and Matt & Ollie, with Rene & Joel sailing the Dragoon.
A few capsizes on the way to the start line set the tone, and with the top mark about a kilometre away and hidden in the waves, finding the layline was anyone’s guess. Dobbo took an early lead after Jezza went for an unexpected swim, while MB’s extra crew weight kept him flying ahead of Paddy & Bridget — who eventually turned back to shore to grab Tuffy and lend a hand to boats still upright (or trying to be) in the 35-knot gusts. A total of 6 boats went swimming, which, all things considered, is quite a respectable feat. 💨💦
Three brave Hobie 14s managed to complete the full course and cross the finish line — a true testament to the fleet’s grit and growing heavy-weather skills. We think we have the incredible weekend that was the WaveGP to thank for the fleet’s well-improved boat handling skills!
A wild, windy day that won’t soon be forgotten — and an excellent reminder that sometimes just getting around the course is victory enough! 💪⛵
Next week the Spring Handicap continues, while some of our sailors are trekking up to Mannering Park’s Phil Johnston Memorial 14ft Regatta/14Turbo NSW State Titles.
