Junior Warming Pan (29th March) - Race Report

Main Fleet

The Main fleet sailed out of the river for three races in Cat Head area. The last one was a return race to the club line. We only had 8 Toppers half in 5.3's and the other in 4.2's but all sailors sailing very well after good winter training.

Racing for the 5.3's was very close all the time with overlaps and seconds in finishing times. Shifty and changing conditions meant the experience of the 5.3 sailors counted a lot against the 4.2's who were just a little slower over the two laps that they were off the podium except for one race.

Overall Phileas Rousselle won with three straight wins, discarding a second, ahead of three Henry's. Henry Ross won on count back against Henry Cruse. Then Henry Noel finished fourth. The 4.2's make the second half of the fleet with Emily Doughty coming on top of a tight battle with Martha Hart and followed by Oscar Hillman and Alixe-Constance Rousselle.

Regatta Fleet

The Regatta fleet set up in the river and held 4 races opposite the club, we had competitors in Optimists', Tera & Topper 4.2 competing in some exciting racing. Race Officer, Sam Spencer and ARO, Emma Ryan commented on how impressed they were with the sailors abilities in some very windy conditions for many of their first racing experience.

The racing was tightly contested all day with many racers coming down to mere seconds on handicap.

In the first race Amelie Motherwell got of the line fast to take an early lead before struggling in the tide and been overtaken for line honours by George Klaschka. Bexter Truswell expertly helmed his Oppie to take advantage of the handicap system and eek out the first line. Special mentions goes to Matthew Lutley, the only Tera sailor braving the conditions, who despite the trials of a new boat sailed superbly.

In the 2nd race George Klaschka again stomped to take line honours only to be overhauled by an impressive Dexter on handicap by a slender margin. Penny King came in 3rd having mastered the race course in only her 2nd ever race.

The 3rd race saw Edward Grube get of the line and quickly take advantage of the turning tide to draw out an early lead. George Klaschka managed to overhaul him on the water, by Edward hung on to win by the tightest of margins. Honourable mention to Naomi Hurford-Potter who led the first beat after a fantastic start and was only overhauled by George on the 2nd windward mark rounding in a very close race.

Race 4 started in an ever increasing wind, making the conditions even more challenging for competitors. Laura Doughty impressed by keeping her boat upright despite several scary moments. Amelie Motherwell showed her hiking skills to finish 3rd with Edward Grube finished 1st on the water to take the regatta. Persistent as always Bella Hurford-Potter refused any assistance from the safety boats showing her determination to finish the racing.

Overall, it was a fantastic introductory event for the sailors who improved their racing craft in some very challenging conditions. Congratulations to all the sailors on some fantastic racing.

Junior Fleet

The Junior Fleet saw five sailors compete in Oppies in a round robin event from the beach. Each competitor raced from the beach, around a reaching mark, and back to the beach.

We had some very close racing, with several races decided by less than a boat length.

Everyone won at least one race and with two competitors tied for first place, the winner was decided by a final tie break, with Rupert just pipping Woody in another close race.

Results

1. Rupert Searle

2. Woody Motherwell

3. Arthur Hallett

4. Felix Klashka

5. Luke Lutley