VSC’s Sunday Sailing – Winter Series
It’s the day after Preso Night. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and the stage is set for a spectacular second round of the WaveGP Winter Series at the Vincentia Sailing Club. After a huge night of yarning, dancing, and a little bit of mischief, a number of sleepy sailors emerged from their beds on Sunday morning. With a 1pm start time, it gave the fleet plenty of time to get prepped for racing.
However… the wind didn’t quite get the memo.
Hooper joined MB on Poly, managing the starts for the day, while Paddy, Andrew, and Matthew wrangled the gaggle of sailors onshore from the get-go. The Grand Prix-style course was set at 12:30 in a light 8-knot nor’wester, promising some quality light-air racing. The starting box was set right off the eastern end of Orion Beach, conveniently located beneath Rennie’s balcony.
In WaveGP, competitors race on up to six Hobie Waves, using a round-robin format—half the sailors race while the others spectate and cheer. Racers not competing in a heat but present receive average points. Racers who leave early or don’t show are scored DNC.
Race 1 was the most consistent of the day, with the first group of sailors hitting the line on time. Andrew and Oliver Spinelli took the win—though Andrew once again forgot the course and finished second (after some serious mental gymnastics). Matthew, hungry for points against his big brother, brought up the rear. Jocelyn teamed up with Rebecca and finished in third, with John Eastment making his GP debut in fourth, and Dobbo in fifth.
Race 2 was a classic drifter—unless your name was Hazel. In full swimmer mode, Hazel swam the entirety of the course trying to catch Paul, Paddy, and Georgii. Unfortunately for her, the trio jumped off and swam their boats across the finish line. The four finished within a boat length of each other—Georgii first, then Paul, Paddy and Hazel.
Afterwards, the fleet returned to shore for a break and lunch, waiting for the northerly to fill in. Andrew manned the BBQ, whipping up fish tacos and chops while MB and Dobbo adjusted the course for the new breeze.
Race 3 after lunch saw Andrew redeem himself with a win ahead of Paddy and Oakie, with Oakie competing in his first ever sailboat race! Adrian wasn’t far behind in the light conditions, while Dobbo, Joss and Amanda rounded out the pack.
In Race 4, Paddy and Oakie got their first win, finishing ahead of Oakie’s dad, Matthew. Dobbo took third, while Paul, Joss, and the Spinellis retired from racing in the fading breeze and light.
With just enough daylight, breeze, and remaining sailors, Race 5 closed the day. It was a classic bumper-boat drift at the bottom mark. Matthew took an early lead, only to be passed by Andrew at the top. But the younger McKenzie wasn’t about to let his brother have another bullet—Matthew clawed it back and won the final heat.
A big thank you to Jimmy for taking photos on shore, and to Hooper for capturing the golden hour shots. Thanks to Oli Bos for donating the flathead for lunch, and to the McKenzie boys for expanding the Hobie Wave fleet.
There are two rounds of WaveGP left to go this winter—and everyone is welcome to come down and give it a crack. Round 3 will be held on Sunday, July 13, right in the middle of the school holidays. Bring your beanie, bring your mates—and we’ll see you on the water.
