Great report Tim. Despite our underperformance, we had fun. Would have been great to have some breeze and flex our muscles to the Skiffs…….. Next year.
Also thanks Tim and Gary for coming up. Look forward to catching up this weekend @ Forster.
The time limit ran out some time ago but who cares, we got a result!.
Yep, some punter who retired drifted through the finish line with no steerage and was recorded a finish an hour earlier than 2nd place <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. This resulted in the entire fleet being scored despite being outside the time limit.
Good thing that punter withdrew is result on Sunday after being announced the winner on Saturday night…….. Did not have to take him out the back afterwards. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Once again the windward mark was total chaos as 20 boats tried to gybe across the front of the other 20 on port. The remainder just didn't bother and once again used the "Optional application of the gate rule" philosophy. Those that fought their way through the carnage to get through the gate were certainly left with a feeling of pride in having achieved something quite impressive - even if bloody stupid. Those that ignored the gate gained nothing more than an unmarked boat and a better result.
Those gates were hair rasing when the breeze came up a bit…….. Imagine if we had more than 10 knots…. Say 15 to 20. It was very tactical though and we found the best approach was to gybe set at the top mark, then gybe and spear through the gate on starboard sending skiffs and cats scurrying everywhere with everybody shouting for room. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
I see the skiffies also gave themselves plenty of raps in the press after the event. I am sure if they followed the race instructions by passing through the gates and starting in the right divisions, then there results would not look so flash…….. Bring on next year.
