2018 Port Fairi "It's a Wrap"

Glorious Port Fairy again turned on the picture perfect weather we have begun to expect of this Easter Weekend race.

The small fleet started in moderate winds with fine sailing until near Cape Otway. The wind swung and built to over 20, with some gusts to 30 knots, never extreme and then slowly died away again but still good to keep the fleet moving jauntily to its ultimate destination. It did mean though a somewhat confused sea state which took its toll on White Noise. Skipper, Daniel Edwards, regaled the gathered crews at the presentation with stories of 'spewing'. Spewing on the rail, spewing up top, spewing down below, not much food was eaten aboard White Noise due to spewing.

Whilst his delivery had the room in gales of laughter, the race management team does trust that they had a less spew-full trip on their return.

PFYC as always turned out the welcome mat to the ORCV. Commodore Hugh Parker and his team were on hand to welcome the weary late night arrivals. A pilot boat was available to see boats berthed away from the often shallow and treacherous parts of the Moyne River. Hot homemade food was provided to all by the irrepressible Bernie and cold drinks from dedicated barman Tim.

Hot showers were plentiful and what a warm and welcoming touch to find the Ladies bathroom kitted out with fresh towels and bathmats, lit candles and a basket of toiletries in case you had forgotten your own.

Despite the early morning finish the PFYC crew were back on deck for breakfast at 0800, serving up lashings of bacon, eggs, sausages and etcetera's.

This is a special destination. The yacht club is easy walking distance to the delights of Port Fairy's pubs and restaurants and surrounded by some of the most glorious pristine beaches you could wish for. Next year ORCV members, plan to spend your Easter here. You won't regret it!

So onto the winners.

Line Honours - Blunderbuss (H4000)
1st IRC - Blunderbuss (H4000)
1st AMS - White Noise (Sm3535)
1st PHS - Blunderbuss (H4000)

Blunderbuss with the loot

The 30 Minute Stakes, the most accurate prediction of their finish time at the 30 minute Finishing Sked, was also carried off by Blunderbuss so a good outing for Eric Marsh and crew. As Daniel Edwards (White Noise) observed during the AMS presentation, it was a good job Blunderbuss wasn't carrying an AMS handicap.

The trophies were presented by PFYC Commodore Hugh Parker. PFYC have also revived the PFYC Trophy for Line Honours which was presented to Eric Marsh on the day.

The Presentation represented what is, to me, all that is best about ocean racing. Lots of good humour, wry observations, hilarious stories and great camaraderie. In the end, it didn't seem to matter that entries were down, the hard core were there and they had a great time being there.

The Port Fairy Yacht Club, led by Commodore Hugh Parker, made us very welcome with some great hospitality. It would be unjust not to mention Bernie Campbell, who put on hot food for all arrivals no matter when they arrived, and Adam Pope, who welcomed each yacht as they arrived and piloted them up the Moyne River to safe mooring areas.

AlienCrew