The J24 NSW Championships have just been completed at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater on 31 Oct & 1 Nov. Ten entries were received, but Calypso suffered a trailer-related incident and did not compete (it’s a long story but a good one….ask Paul about it when you’ve got a few minutes to spare)
Those regular boats who chose not to compete missed out on a great event, notwithstanding the weather which threw everything at us from warm and sunny to thunder and lightning and at times LOTS of rain! The venue and facilities are excellent, lots of hardstand space, cranes, a very professional race crew and helpful, welcoming staff. COVID Rules were obviously in place and restricted social activities a little but it all ran very well.
The RO Stephen Merrington managed to get all 6 heats run on a difficult stormy weekend when a lot of other club racing around Sydney was cancelled.
Saturday started with a North Easterly at around 10 kt, but later shifted southerly. Two races had to be abandoned half way through which was unfortunate (especially for Tinto, leading both times) but that’s sailing!
Steve Quigley on Convicts Revenge won Race 1, followed by Tinto and El Fideldo, and Race 2 was won by Ace (Dave West) from Innamincka and Stamped Urgent. Another race was started but then the storm closed in and competitors were sent home in the pouring rain.
With the forecast early Southerly change expected to get up to 30kt, hopes were not high for much sailing on Sunday but we were fortunate to get all 4 races run, in a wind moving from SW to South and increasing from 8-10 kt to well over 20.
Tinto won Race 3 after a poor first leg, coming from 4th at the last mark to the final margin of 24 seconds from Convicts Revenge and Ace. Race 4 went to John Crawford in Innamincka from Convicts Revenge and Ace.
With the strengthening wind we were all on Jibs for Race 5. This race had the closest finish of the series with the first 5 finishing in 6 seconds, Ace taking first from Innamincka and Tinto.
The final race was getting tough with the strong and gusty Southerly really testing everyone. Convicts Revenge got the better of Ace in a tight tactical battle up the second work to win, and Tinto taking third.
Racing overall was very tight and competitive, with most finishing within 2 or 3 minutes each race. However here were no protests and no (bad) collisions, so a good weekend all round. Convicts won the series on countback from Ace on 10 points, with Tinto 3rd on 14. Welcome (back) to the J fleet Steve and the crew, we are looking forward to more good close racing with you at Cronulla and elsewhere.
PHS results gave the win to Okavango Delta 1st, Waterborne Again 2nd and El Fideldo 3rd. Congratulations and well sailed to all of you.
A Resilience prize was awarded to Sailmates. Competing in their first State Champs, they finished every race and flew a kite on every run. Well done!
Finally, special “Thanks” to Bryce at Infinity Rigging, and Shane at Doyle Sails who donated prizes for the event. Please support these locally owned businesses where you can.
By Stephen Wright
