ORCV Melbourne Two Handed (MTH)
Don't ya just hate it...
... when everyone talks it up a treat and then the cold front arrives, but almost with the same alacrity, it then disappears.
Over the line and racing has begun. in the 2010 MTH.
The very experienced two-handed sailor, Robin Hewitt (at least two M2Os there), was the day's Race Director from the tower at RBYC. He tells us "It was a pleasant morning, with a slight sea and a gentle 10 knots greeted the fleet as they prepared for the annual workout. This race is a test of not only sailing skills, but also the ability to pace oneself, in order to accomplish the tasks ahead. Ominous clouds to the WSW heralded the forecasted frontal system, which was due to pass Melbourne by midday. For once, it actually arrived early with the breeze increasing from the NW and freshening to 23 knots."
Course # 2 was selected, which started the fleet to the South with the breeze swinging to the West at the same time. Adams Rib clearly won the start (thank God we'd talked that up before the event in Got A Bit On), with Audacious in behind them.
It was such a good pic, that it needed another outing (plus they don't really enjoy having it go up, so that's even more reason). The new two-handed team of the ORCV's very own Sally Williams and Brian Slater won the start, but unfortunately did not make it home.
On returning from RBYC's #6 marker down towards Sandringham, The Secretary passed in front of the tower slightly ahead of Fuzzy Logic and tucked in there too, was Wicked. Fuzzy is an older MBD design, but still reasonably quick. I could not find a decent picture in time for the previous article, so I am glad they did such a good job as the race's Dark Horse.
Mystery Man was out on the water on Sunday, so we have him to thank for the en locale shots. Cheers MM.
After passing the tower, Swordfish Trombone and Imagineer tacked left, whilst the others went right. At half an hour into the race, the wind dropped to 16 knots, just as Emma-Kate went on the breeze, out towards R2. Wicked was first to finish the first lap, as the breeze steadied to around 10 knots, where it then stayed for the remainder of the race, apart from a couple of lulls down to six knots and occasional flicks a little to North and South of due West. On lap Two, Wicked maintained her lead from Fuzzy Logic, but less than a minute separated them and they were just another minute ahead of Audacious.
"The fleet had now separated into three groups, with Wild Side out on her own. Her Zebra styled assy helped in ensuring everyone knew she was out there on her own, as well. Not far behind the leaders and sailing well in the main group was Godzilla, while the lighter breeze was not helping the heavier boats like The Secretary and Spirit. Cool Change completed the second lap in three and a quarter hours, in spite of the lulls. Esprit, also from Hobson’s Bay, was in fierce competition in that third group, too.
By 1440hrs, the breeze was trying to give up and the last of the fleet suffered a measly five knots, which meant the earlier finishers were just looking better and better for the glassware. It was then just three knots by 1500hrs and zero at 1545!!! There was some discussion as to whether Second to None was complying, but Robin decided that four paws did not actually constitute extra hands. Try pulling ropes with paws or hooves!
Those paws, which were in question (near the helm).
Robin added of the whole day, "As the saying goes ‘Any mug can sail a yacht when there is wind, it takes real sailors to sail a yacht in no wind!’ Thus, to those who persevered; Fade 2 Grey, Ocean Safari, Esprit, Imagineer and Cool Change, we say, Well Done! We were wishing you on from the tower." Adams Rib, Emma-Kate and Spirit retired and Thunder did not start.
In the end, Wicked got to the line ahead of Fuzzy Logic and then Swordfish Trombone. IRC was Wicked, Wild Side and third, Swordfish Trombone. AMS was Godzilla, Swordfish Trombone and Wild Side as 1-2-3, where as PHC was Godzilla, Wicked and then Remedy.
And they're gone. Off on the first dig South. Look. There are white caps - so there was some wind at some time during the race....
HERO PIC - Nice one MM. Thank you. Ocean Safari in the foreground and Godzilla astern.
The Secretary did well when the breeze was up (She's a little heavy, so needs the squirt). Not surprising they still finished however, as there's plenty of long-haul experience there.
Wicked over in the background got up for the win. Well done Mark Welsh and co.
The fleet heading South for the first time.
Remedy on the left and Swordfish Trombone on the right, the latter put themselves all over the scoreboard.
Bet this is the last time we see the kite sheets like that.
Looking just a little like Green Point in the background, as Audacious heads back up to RBYC's tower.
Click HERE now to go to the full results table.
By John Curnow
