Just back from HUGE long weekend at the Wildcat Regatta Forster. Aprox 70 cats attended in all, biggest fleets where Hobie 16’s, A’s and Taipans. I was the only F16 racing for the first time on the Formula Catamarans Australia Blade, in the fast mixed fleet consisting of 4 F18’s, 3 Cat Rig Taipans, Tornado, Super Taipan & Nacra5.8. All classes sailed windward and return courses around the same buoys, keeping your eyes open was important, for other boats and the shallow water and weed. Two days, 3 races where sailed in gusty winds of aprox 25 kts. coming off the hills, not the normal wind direction according to the locals. One day 3 races sailed in max of 15 kts. from the ocean side.
The high lights where in order, leading the fleet round the first mark in race 4, after holding out the Super Taipan all the way up the first beat after starting lowest on the line. Placing first over the line after battling with the Nacra Infusion F18 for 2 laps in race 5. Having my first capsizes in race 6 with gusts estimated to 30 kts.? But most of all placing Second in the mixed division on Yardstick, with the F16 of 71 and F18 of 70 it was only the Super Taipan and Tornado that gave me much time, so most races my over the line placing was much the same as my Yardstick result, with mainly Fourths and a First and Second.
The Nacra F18 Infusion won my div. with a more consistent performance than any other boat in the div. finishing every race near the front. Full results and pics to come, when they are sent through. The music till 2am and the 12 hour plus drive home has finished me off, time for bed.
Have attached a photo of the local wildlife, outside the club showers.
