Hi all,
been there, done that. It's all over F16 (Altered, Mosquito Cat rigged and Taipan Sloop rigged), F18, A class sailed against 18 foot Skiffs and 49er's, in green fleet fastest boats. Afraid A class cats where first and second 49er third. It was one of those events where the spinnaker made life more difficult. Full results at
http://nsw.i14australia.org/sfs/Saturday NW wind offshore with course close to north shore of harbour. Wind was very gusty forecast 15 to 20kts. mention was made after racing of 30kt. gusts. Biggest problem was shifts of up to 45 degrees with gusts. I think nearly everybody swam even those without spin. Saw some amazing spinnaker rides by skiffs in particular the 12 footers are incredible. Altered made a glamour start but it was short lived. Lead around first windward mark for the entire fleet, then proceeded to have trouble finding mid run gate and things just went downhill from there. Or should that be upside down. A number of capsizes later I fell into sail pulling boltrope out of mast and boat blew away from me requiring rescue, so I retired to fix ready for next race.
Doing OK second race despite capsizes fighting for second with A class until capsize on last run, I land in sail again tearing sail up luff, couldn't finish towed home.
Sunday morning busy fixing up stuff, Pete on Mossie pulls axle of trailer thats another story. While I try to put brand new Asby Blade main up my mast, thanks to generosity of Michael Boyd local who hasn't launched his Blade yet. But it just won't fit. Backup plan lots of sticky back on torn luff, this leaves me late for first start. Forecast 10 to 15kts. NW. seemed OK on shore but died to drifter with 90 degree shifts did gust to 15kts. for the odd 30 seconds or so.
Third race late as I said, caught up heaps passed lots of skiffs but no catching leaders Taipan F16 and A's did well. Fourth race wind died and shifted before start, pin end favoured just couldn't get there never made up the loss at the start but was my best finishing place. Had a good ride to finish in a nice gust, kite on hard, flat on trap leaving small rigged 18 foot skiff in my wake.
Overall sailing was crap, Rohan Veal on borrowed Foiler Moth went home in disgust without finishing a race I think. But for me it was a great weekend, great hospitality and just a mix of fleet that I have never been in before and great back drop Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Mansions etc. a real experience. Just wish I could have got sailing together, The sight of Taipan F16 fighting with no.1 rigged 18 foot skiff Panasonic for first place was something you just don't see every weekend.
Regards Gary.