The Vincentia Sailing Club’s weekend of racing began with anticipation as the Nor’Easter teased its arrival, fashionably late by an hour but ultimately delivering the exciting conditions sailors had hoped for. With a fleet eager to hit the water, it was Adrian who wisely predicted the weather, calling for an early start. The wind, however, took its time, arriving around midday to greet the sailors.
Race 1
By the time the first race started, the Nor’Easter had built to a solid 10-12 knots, offering perfect conditions for the Hobie 14s and 16s, as well as the ever-quick Nacra. Jeramy, aboard the start boat, expertly set a fine line to the top mark, ensuring competitive starts across the fleet. Adrian and Jake got off to a flying start, leaving the rest of the Hobie 14 fleet in their wake. However, a few mistimed tacks brought the pack back together, levelling the playing field.
Meanwhile, the Hobie 16s and Nacra fleet began their charge three minutes after the 14s, eager to chase them down. In a thrilling display of speed, Egbert & Helen secured line honours, flying their Nacra across the finish line in dramatic fashion.
Race 2
The second race saw Jake getting a late start after assisting Doug in righting his Hobie 14 from a turtled capsize. Despite this setback, Jake put in a stellar effort to catch the fleet. Marc, Ed & Lottie sailed with elegance on their new Hobie 16, while Mick & Fionbarr, Nigel & Violet, and Egbert & Helen were relentless in their pursuit of the Hobie 14s. Egbert & Helen once again took line honours, with Mick close on their heels.
Race 3
As the wind and chop began to build, the third race turned into a thrilling test of endurance and skill. Adrian had a heart-stopping moment when he “tea-bagged” off the back of his boat, narrowly avoiding a capsize. Egbert & Helen continued their dominant form, capturing their third consecutive line honour of the day aboard their speedy Nacra.
Midday Break
After three hard-fought races, Jeremy called for a well-deserved pit stop. The fleet returned to shore for a BBQ lunch, cooked to perfection by Karen, with Rebecca handing out celebratory bubbles to keep spirits high.
Afternoon Races
As the Nor’Easter continued to build, only four determined crews took to the water for the afternoon’s two remaining races. Nigel, now joined by Spinelli on his Hobie 16, initially showed great form, building a lead over Mick. But disaster struck when Nigel & Spinelli capsized, allowing MB & Fionbarr to sail past in a classic case of “hero to zero.”
The rising wind chop turned the final two races into a game of survival. Dobbo and Jake, now in damage control mode, battled to stay upright and avoid being washed off their boats. With no capsizes but plenty of close calls, all sailors managed to finish the fifth and final race of the day, concluding an exhilarating and exhausting day on the water.
Conclusion
The weekend was a true test of grit, with exciting battles across the Hobie 14, 16, and Nacra fleets. Special thanks go out to Jeremy for his race management, and to Karen and Rebecca for keeping the fleet fuelled and hydrated. With the championship regatta on the horizon, this weekend’s racing offered a perfect preview of the thrills to come.