Melbourne Latitude Series (MLS)
You don't have to be crazy...
But it sure does help!
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So said former Ocean Racing Club of Victoria Commodore, Robin Hewitt, regarding this MLS set of races over the weekend.
As you can imagine, it was in relation to the somewhat chilly conditions and fresh breezes they experienced once they stuck their noses out into Bass Strait, but I’m sure Port Phillip wasn’t a tropical delight either. As a result, crew clothing would have been well and truly put to the test for yesterday’s Bass Strait Race and there were many in the bar at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron once they got back into the Bay last night, who intend to visit yacht chandleries soon to upgrade their gear.
However, a few won’t have to worry about that, because Gill Australia put their new soft shell jackets up as prizes for the place getters and the winning novice skipper of yesterday’s race.
Thank you to Gill for their continued support of the ORCV.
 As we know, the yachts had an easy run downwind to their turning latitudes, but it was a hard on the wind for the trip back to the Heads.
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The sea had built up by this stage, so one tack was definitely favoured, with the boats that closed the gap to the shore faster, doing the best in the end. The foredeck crew had a challenging and no doubt freezing race, as the wind was fluctuating between 20 and 40 knots, so many sail changes were called for. Going up to Adventure Island to be smashed through large cold green ones deserves praise and recognition – just ask any member of the FDU!
As the fleet approached Port Phillip Heads, it was still anybody’s race. The first yacht to call in was ‘Mrs Overnewton’ followed closely by ‘Beyond Outrageous’ and then ‘Remedy’. ‘Mrs O’ was leading, with ‘Beyond Outrageous’ closing in fast. A Yankee Foxtrot (ship) was approaching and this forced them to tack, allowing ‘Beyond Outrageous’ to take the inside line and win the race by 1 minute and 42 seconds. The two of them were followed into the Bay by ‘Remedy’, then ‘Yoko’ (Robin Hewitt’s yacht), ‘Spindrift’, ‘Caledonia’ and current ORCV Commodore George Shaw’s ‘The Secretary’. Unlike many ocean races, where finish times can span several hours and sometimes days, this unique race had the fleet finished within 36 minutes of each other - after a total of nine hours of racing!
Back outside, ‘Magazan 53’ was dealing with an extended squall and a jetlagged owner. Some 40 knots were blasting over the deck when they noticed wires coming loose from their port diagonal shroud (D1). Accordingly, they felt there was no alternative but to yank that pin and stay safe – sails come down; cast iron mainsheet goes on a chug-a-lug back to the Heads. Our other casualty was Paul Lindemann on ‘Biddy Hu II’, who broke their traveller in the sail down the Bay. They were able to get it fixed in Queenscliff, with the help of Gary Thomlins from the Queenscliff Coast Guard and take their place in the MLS Pursuit race back from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron to Sandringham Yacht Club today.
The ORCV has a long-standing partnership with BYS. They are our hosts for both the Melbourne Latitude Series and the Cock of the Bay race, which is the curtain raiser to our premier Tassie Trio races just after Christmas. Many thanks to Gerard, Jenny, Clarky and the team at BYS for their ongoing support and hospitality – our frozen crews tell me the hot showers were particularly welcome!!!
Our novice skippers were Malcolm Mitchell on ‘Caledonia’, Joanne Harpur on ‘Magazan 53’, Brian Burggraaf on ‘Remedy’, and Stuart Lyon on ‘Spindrift’, who won the Novice Skipper Award. A challenging ocean race for anyone, let alone someone doing it for the first time in his or her racing career. In addition to the challenges of the race itself, there is a significant amount of time and financial commitment required to prepare a yacht and crew for their first blue water race. The boys on ‘Remedy’, who sailed two handed, really cut it fine with Brain Burggraaf and Paul Hibbert both getting their radio licences on the Thursday night before the race.
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The ORCV would not be able to run this race without our dedicated band of volunteers. Race Directors for the MLS were Simon Dryden and Neville Rose in the van, whose heater works a treat I can tell you.
The ORCV would very much like to thank all of the skippers and crew who mentored and coached novice crew, which is what the MLS is all about. Particular mention must be made of Rosie Colahan on ‘Magazan 53’, David James on ‘Caledonia’ and Rik Head on ‘Biddy Hu II’. |
Full MLS results available here.
By John Curnow
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