Race Report 10/05/26

Race Report May 10^th 2026 by Terry Chapman

We’ve had a disappointing start to the Spring 26 season with the first race day cancelled due to bad weather and the second because only one boat in the normal fleet was seaworthy.

Today’s race day was full of drama. We all met up well in time and unloaded gear etc., Lisa and her friend duly collect money and competitors names and paid for the support boat fuel. The usual swimming jetty was closed off for maintenance so we had to go the long jetty near the Occidental hotel to set up.

Because of the distance from the marina there was a light delay laying the course and Sirocco was late leaving but were able to start the first race at 11:19 in a 4 knot wind. Vision got a good start, closely followed by Sirocco, Vision just taking the first mark in front with both battling closely. Lavanter then came up to take the lead on the second lap which she maintained to the finish. There was much shouting for water between Vision and Sirocco at the third mark, with the wind starting to pick up to 7 gusting 8 knots and to 9 knots by the finish at the end of lap four.

The wind was due to increase dramatically at 14.00 so we quickly got on with starting race 2 when the steering gear on the support boat failed, leaving them helpless. They started the long paddle back to the marina but Sirocco decided to lend a hand towing them in.

Being conscious of the forecast we had to start the race without them. Apart from a few mistakes Lavanter and Vision were close at the end of lap 2 but then Lavanter pulled away to 6 minutes ahead at the finish.

Just as we finished the wind blew up strongly as forecast. Without the support boat the sailboats had to collect the buoys but the engine on Levanter wouldn’t start so they also had to get a tow back. The cause was later identified as a wrong thickness kill switch toggle not engaging the switch fully.

All in all an eventful day.

Thanks to all the duty officers, especially Lisa and her friend who did a splendid job all round, thank you ladies.

Results (Average lap times)

First Race: Lavanter 449 secs, Vision 520 secs, Sirocco 550 secs

Second Race: Lavanter 452 secs, Vision 507 secs