A few weeks ago our dinghy was lost, stolen or strayed from the Balmain Sailing Club. It was in the rack, locked up with a stainless wire and decent sized padlock. It was also looking the worse for wear with the fender having parted from the actual boat across the front so it looked like a flying nun. It also had some peeling paint leaving nasty sploges on the sides. But it floated and would take three people so it was very useful. Its disappearance is not only a mystery but very annoying. Specially since there were lots of better looking dinghies and some were not even locked up.
And it meant we had the problem of how to get to Cheshire Cat. Commodore Roger kindly offered to lend us his dinghy which was sitting in his Elizabeth Bay driveway. Then my good mate Malcolm offered to meet me at Roger's at 8am on Saturday - he is a very good mate! - with his roof racks on his 4WD car. Much as I love my car you can't fit a dinghy in a convertable Mecedes unless its an inflatable. The dinghy, not the Mercedes. So we loaded the dinghy, drove to Balmain, took it off the car walked it down some stairs to the lift and took it down to the club. Where I locked it up! Hopefully the burgler wont be back. And I bought Mal a coffee and a sultana snail at Balmain's "2006 best bakery" for his trouble.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Engine Trouble
Its funny how when bad things happen you learn something new. I now know how to bleed the deisel engine on Cheshire Cat for when the fuel lines get air in them. This could come in handy again some day. I'm also glad I recently got some spanners to put on board having decided not to wait any longer for Richard's tool kit to materialise.
Dayna and I set off happily, collected Laine, Claire and Terina form the pontoon and then the engine stalled before we even got back past the mooring. So we picked up the nearby police mooring and dug out the engine manual. Luckily we had two people on board who actually know something about motors, Claire and Laine. Between them and Dayna they worked out what was wrong and fixed it - for a while. As the problem kept happening we decided to sail across the start line thus putting us ahead of Alcyone for the point score and then go and fill up the fuel tank at the CYC. The theory was that the air lock was because of low fuel level. Even though I'd put in 20 litres that morning. So as Mercedes sailed away to complete the course - again - we went to buy petrol (well diesel actually).
As it turned out, after filling the tank and the spare gerry can and the water tanks since we were there, the problem continued. Next theory is that the line has a small leak somewhere that is sucking in air. We headed home in the knowledge that we could keep the motor going by regular bleeding of the lines. And so we stopped by Topknot, Laine's boat to see how she was with her new mast, commented collectively on how much work Laurie has to do on Iruka, and managed to get back to the mooring with only one more bleed stop.
Now a call to the machanic is required to get the motor seen to. And maybe the bottom cleraned as well. And, what the hell, perhaps even a holding tank for the toilet too. As a Christmas present for our smiley cat.
Dayna and I set off happily, collected Laine, Claire and Terina form the pontoon and then the engine stalled before we even got back past the mooring. So we picked up the nearby police mooring and dug out the engine manual. Luckily we had two people on board who actually know something about motors, Claire and Laine. Between them and Dayna they worked out what was wrong and fixed it - for a while. As the problem kept happening we decided to sail across the start line thus putting us ahead of Alcyone for the point score and then go and fill up the fuel tank at the CYC. The theory was that the air lock was because of low fuel level. Even though I'd put in 20 litres that morning. So as Mercedes sailed away to complete the course - again - we went to buy petrol (well diesel actually).
As it turned out, after filling the tank and the spare gerry can and the water tanks since we were there, the problem continued. Next theory is that the line has a small leak somewhere that is sucking in air. We headed home in the knowledge that we could keep the motor going by regular bleeding of the lines. And so we stopped by Topknot, Laine's boat to see how she was with her new mast, commented collectively on how much work Laurie has to do on Iruka, and managed to get back to the mooring with only one more bleed stop.
Now a call to the machanic is required to get the motor seen to. And maybe the bottom cleraned as well. And, what the hell, perhaps even a holding tank for the toilet too. As a Christmas present for our smiley cat.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Two's Company
We were one of only two boats in our Spring Series 5th race. Another lonely start but a good one with Jenni on the helm. As we headed for Lady Bay the sun was shining on another pefect Sydney day. In fact its getting boring how nice the weather can be.
The grunge on the bottom slowed us down a bit and so on the final leg Mercedes, the other boat in the race, caught us and slipped past, but not before I took some pictures.
This is Mercedes in all her glory
Julie and Dayna holding the boom out. You can just seee Mercedes under Julie's arm
Are we there yet?
The grunge on the bottom slowed us down a bit and so on the final leg Mercedes, the other boat in the race, caught us and slipped past, but not before I took some pictures.
This is Mercedes in all her glory
Julie and Dayna holding the boom out. You can just seee Mercedes under Julie's arm
Are we there yet?
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Balmain Regatta
Last Sunday some of us sailed in the Balmain Regatta, a huge annual event. We didn't do very well - maybe because of this:
Actually I blame the dirty bottom on our lovely Cheshire Cat.
It was fun if a little nerve wracking starting with 24 other boats instead of alone. But we started well if at the wrong end of the line. And we had a few challenging tacks, judging the moment when we a) wouldn't run into the shore or moored boats and b) would miss our competitors. In fact another boat, much faster than us, heading towards us at great speed on starboard kindly called to say they would go behind us which meant going in front of another boat with about a yard to spare on each side. very impressive!
We sailed to Goat Island back to near Cockatoo Island, back to Goat and then around Cockatoo to two marks near Spectacle and Snapper Islands before finishing near the Balmain Sailing Club. The weather was cool but mostly sunny so we had a great day out. A few new crew to the Cat in Roger, Dave and Steve. Steve in particular worked very hard on the winches. Along with Julie and Dayna. But we couldn't keep up and were even passed by a Hood 23 - not a good look at all!
We specially like the tender service the club runs on race days. Dropped off and picked up from the mooring so no rowing and no dragging the dinghy around. Not that we can any more since it got stolen from the Club even though it was locked up. I am rather cranky about it as it was a nice, stable and sizeable dinghy if a little in need of tlc.
At the club there were bars, a band and a big prizegiving. We came last so didn't win anything, not even an oily oar. Unfortunatly the sausage sizzle had run out of sausages so we had a few beers and went home, tired but happy after a lovely day. I will post more photos if Roger sends them to me.
Actually I blame the dirty bottom on our lovely Cheshire Cat.
It was fun if a little nerve wracking starting with 24 other boats instead of alone. But we started well if at the wrong end of the line. And we had a few challenging tacks, judging the moment when we a) wouldn't run into the shore or moored boats and b) would miss our competitors. In fact another boat, much faster than us, heading towards us at great speed on starboard kindly called to say they would go behind us which meant going in front of another boat with about a yard to spare on each side. very impressive!
We sailed to Goat Island back to near Cockatoo Island, back to Goat and then around Cockatoo to two marks near Spectacle and Snapper Islands before finishing near the Balmain Sailing Club. The weather was cool but mostly sunny so we had a great day out. A few new crew to the Cat in Roger, Dave and Steve. Steve in particular worked very hard on the winches. Along with Julie and Dayna. But we couldn't keep up and were even passed by a Hood 23 - not a good look at all!
We specially like the tender service the club runs on race days. Dropped off and picked up from the mooring so no rowing and no dragging the dinghy around. Not that we can any more since it got stolen from the Club even though it was locked up. I am rather cranky about it as it was a nice, stable and sizeable dinghy if a little in need of tlc.
At the club there were bars, a band and a big prizegiving. We came last so didn't win anything, not even an oily oar. Unfortunatly the sausage sizzle had run out of sausages so we had a few beers and went home, tired but happy after a lovely day. I will post more photos if Roger sends them to me.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
A Perfect Day - well almost
The fourth ASCC Spring race day turned out to be rather fine. After a cloudy start and some strongish gusts we decided to start with a full headsail and one reef in th main. We crossed close to the start time again. Still not close enough but not too bad. The reach to Shark island was uneventful and alone again. Mercedes and Alcyone were getting set up to start at 12.30.
Once we rounded the island, on John's suggestion, we shook out the reef and had a lovely run to Grotto Point. The big winds from Saturday had left a bit of swell acoss the Heads but nothing good old Cheshire Cat can't handle. Skipper error saw us re-rounding the Grotto Point mark. Beating back to East Channel had the gunnels in the water and the odd grumble about the winches. New crew member Cat (well named for us) worked hard but isn't yet used to the brute arm strength we use.
By the East Channel mark Mercedes had caught up to us and we rounded just ahead as they overshot. Then they cruised past and left us in their wake across to Chowder Bay. With their better pointing ability both the big boats passed us by the Rose Bay buoy as we had to put in more tacks. While Mercedes increased her big lead we kept reasonably close to Alcyone finishing a few minutes later.
The sun was shining but it was still pretty cold with the maximum for the day only 18 degreees. After yet another delicious lunch (thanks Julie) moored off Darling Point we motored home giving Cat a go at the wheel on the way.
Still no results so we have no idea where we stand but know we are at least third in the Spring series. No pics as noone had a camera.
Once we rounded the island, on John's suggestion, we shook out the reef and had a lovely run to Grotto Point. The big winds from Saturday had left a bit of swell acoss the Heads but nothing good old Cheshire Cat can't handle. Skipper error saw us re-rounding the Grotto Point mark. Beating back to East Channel had the gunnels in the water and the odd grumble about the winches. New crew member Cat (well named for us) worked hard but isn't yet used to the brute arm strength we use.
By the East Channel mark Mercedes had caught up to us and we rounded just ahead as they overshot. Then they cruised past and left us in their wake across to Chowder Bay. With their better pointing ability both the big boats passed us by the Rose Bay buoy as we had to put in more tacks. While Mercedes increased her big lead we kept reasonably close to Alcyone finishing a few minutes later.
The sun was shining but it was still pretty cold with the maximum for the day only 18 degreees. After yet another delicious lunch (thanks Julie) moored off Darling Point we motored home giving Cat a go at the wheel on the way.
Still no results so we have no idea where we stand but know we are at least third in the Spring series. No pics as noone had a camera.
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Weather Bureau Got It Right!
As predicted the wind swung round to the south and blasted over 30 knots pretty much right on time! Stronger than predicted though. In fact we saw gusts of 37 knots on our apparent wind gauge and Nic on Mercedes recorded gusts to 47 knots.
This graph is from www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/nsw.asp after the event. If you click on it you can see it better without the black.
Dayna rang the weather number and reported a predicted 20-25 knot Southerly change at midday. So we reefed the main - one reef - and prepared to reef the jib as the wind picked up. At seconds after midday we slipped across the line with a gentle following wind of about 5 knots. I sensibly resisted the temptation to unreef the main and did not ask the crew (Julie, Terina and Dayna) to use the spinnaker pole to goose-wing the jib.
At ten past twelve, as we were about half way from Clark Island to Shark Island, the wind started to swing to the south and I got the crew to gybe the main. And then wham 25 knots of wind smacked us on starboard. No gradual increase, no time to get accustomed to increased wind strength. We started to reef the jib and then as the wind continued to gust higher and higher tried to hide behind Shark Island while the crew struggled to furl the jib completely and drop the main. Which they managed in record time bless them. And we beat a tactical retreat. It was a slow motor home. On the way we saw lots of waterways and police boats standing by to rescue people but there was surprisingly little carnage. Probably because most people were too sensible to go out in the first place. We were all wet from the waves washing over our port side - or half wet anyway - and we were glad to get to Balmain where the mooring was nice and protected from the worst of the wind..
We later heard that Mercedes did complete the course with very little sail up. But then she is 40 something feet long. Alcyone wasn't racing because Jenny is away.
As we rounded Yuralbin Point and into the relief of calmer waters we passed a double reefed yacht, 25 or so foot heading out towards the main harbour. It made me think of the C J Dennis poem The Traveller in A Book For kids:
As I rode homeward, full of doubt,
I met a stranger riding out:
A foolish man he seemed to me;
But, "Nay, I am yourself," said he,
"Just as you were when you rode out."
So I rode homeward, free of doubt.
This graph is from www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/nsw.asp after the event. If you click on it you can see it better without the black.
Dayna rang the weather number and reported a predicted 20-25 knot Southerly change at midday. So we reefed the main - one reef - and prepared to reef the jib as the wind picked up. At seconds after midday we slipped across the line with a gentle following wind of about 5 knots. I sensibly resisted the temptation to unreef the main and did not ask the crew (Julie, Terina and Dayna) to use the spinnaker pole to goose-wing the jib.
At ten past twelve, as we were about half way from Clark Island to Shark Island, the wind started to swing to the south and I got the crew to gybe the main. And then wham 25 knots of wind smacked us on starboard. No gradual increase, no time to get accustomed to increased wind strength. We started to reef the jib and then as the wind continued to gust higher and higher tried to hide behind Shark Island while the crew struggled to furl the jib completely and drop the main. Which they managed in record time bless them. And we beat a tactical retreat. It was a slow motor home. On the way we saw lots of waterways and police boats standing by to rescue people but there was surprisingly little carnage. Probably because most people were too sensible to go out in the first place. We were all wet from the waves washing over our port side - or half wet anyway - and we were glad to get to Balmain where the mooring was nice and protected from the worst of the wind..
We later heard that Mercedes did complete the course with very little sail up. But then she is 40 something feet long. Alcyone wasn't racing because Jenny is away.
As we rounded Yuralbin Point and into the relief of calmer waters we passed a double reefed yacht, 25 or so foot heading out towards the main harbour. It made me think of the C J Dennis poem The Traveller in A Book For kids:
As I rode homeward, full of doubt,
I met a stranger riding out:
A foolish man he seemed to me;
But, "Nay, I am yourself," said he,
"Just as you were when you rode out."
So I rode homeward, free of doubt.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Hooray we Won!!
Finally we were first over the finish line! We beat Mercedes by about half a minute. Yes she starts half an hour after us but she's also much bigger. Alcyone came third a bit later. Given the debate about handicapping with such a small fleet we have no idea where we will come on handicap. And the fact that the person in charge of the racing is overseas it could be some time.
It was another spectacular Sydney spring day with sun shining and a nice breeze of 12 to 15 knots. It did cloud up after a while forcing us all in to jackets and jumpers but we had a good race. Another day with no start boat. Neil has been sent to Switzerland - someone's account?? - so Dayna had to decide the course again even though she is no longer on the ASCC committee.
We set off a bit after the start time of noon, partly cos Dayna was on the phone to the other boats telling them the course, and mostly cos I did my usual trick of getting too far from the start line and underestimating the time to tack.
We had the long beat to Lady Bay just past Watson's Bay, then a run back to Point Piper putting up the pole for the first time in ages and with a bit of difficulty but eventually successfully, then a beat back to Neilson Park and another run to the finish at Clark Island - just ahead of Mercedes. Dayna's double chocolate brownies sustained us.
We anchored next to Mercedes in Athol Bay for lunch. The crew surpassed themselves again with fresh oysters and prawns, moroccan chicken, smoked trout, beautiful cheeses, italian bread, bean and pasta salad, green papaya salad and artichoke salad. And strawberries! And wine. And beer. What more could a girl ask for.
On the way back to the mooring we rescued a speed boat full of boys who had broken down just between the bridge and Goat Island, a high traffic area and not a place to be drifitng. Why they didn't call the water police I don't know. Anyway we towed them to McMahon's Point and left them to it.
Then home tired but happy.
It was another spectacular Sydney spring day with sun shining and a nice breeze of 12 to 15 knots. It did cloud up after a while forcing us all in to jackets and jumpers but we had a good race. Another day with no start boat. Neil has been sent to Switzerland - someone's account?? - so Dayna had to decide the course again even though she is no longer on the ASCC committee.
We set off a bit after the start time of noon, partly cos Dayna was on the phone to the other boats telling them the course, and mostly cos I did my usual trick of getting too far from the start line and underestimating the time to tack.
We had the long beat to Lady Bay just past Watson's Bay, then a run back to Point Piper putting up the pole for the first time in ages and with a bit of difficulty but eventually successfully, then a beat back to Neilson Park and another run to the finish at Clark Island - just ahead of Mercedes. Dayna's double chocolate brownies sustained us.
We anchored next to Mercedes in Athol Bay for lunch. The crew surpassed themselves again with fresh oysters and prawns, moroccan chicken, smoked trout, beautiful cheeses, italian bread, bean and pasta salad, green papaya salad and artichoke salad. And strawberries! And wine. And beer. What more could a girl ask for.
On the way back to the mooring we rescued a speed boat full of boys who had broken down just between the bridge and Goat Island, a high traffic area and not a place to be drifitng. Why they didn't call the water police I don't know. Anyway we towed them to McMahon's Point and left them to it.
Then home tired but happy.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
1st Spring Race
Although it was a beautiful day Sunday was rather windy when we started alone at midday, again without a start boat. This time Neil kindly came out in the mastless (topless) Topknot to do starters honours but quickly had engine trouble and was towed back to the mooring by The James E Hill who happened to be out with skipper and ex-commodore Paul and Topknot's owner Laine on board. We hope soon the club will own a start boat.
Cheshire Cat headed for Shark island with a reefed main and jib but she was still a bit overpowered in the gusts. With Jenni sporting stitches from recent minor surgery and a hangover or two on board we decided to retire garcefully, take Jenni home and enjoy a lovely lunch on the mooring. We passed Alcyone and Mercedes who started at 12.30 and presumably completed the course. By the time we settled in back at Balmain the wind had dropped making for ideal dining conditions.
Of course once we'd washed up the wind had blown up again and the row to the yacht club proved exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking for Julie and Terina at either end of the dinghy.
Cheshire Cat headed for Shark island with a reefed main and jib but she was still a bit overpowered in the gusts. With Jenni sporting stitches from recent minor surgery and a hangover or two on board we decided to retire garcefully, take Jenni home and enjoy a lovely lunch on the mooring. We passed Alcyone and Mercedes who started at 12.30 and presumably completed the course. By the time we settled in back at Balmain the wind had dropped making for ideal dining conditions.
Of course once we'd washed up the wind had blown up again and the row to the yacht club proved exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking for Julie and Terina at either end of the dinghy.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Winter Series weekend
The ASCC'S winter series was held last weekend. Two races a day over the two days with a raft up in between. Unfortunately the promised start boat failed to start (Grizzly was grizzly!) so we had to time ourselves.
Despite the perfect weather (our only complaint being that a few extra knots of breeze would have helped now and then) only three boats turned out. Us (with Anni, Julie, Terina and Karina on board and Dayna for Sunday), Maria in Holy Spirit and Jenni and Kelly in Alcyone. The first race from Kirribili to Taylor Bay was quick. The boats all finished in size order, which continued all weekend. Only the times on handicap will tell us who came where. There was some question as to wether Alcyone started early and Maria contemplated a protest but eventually it was decided that self timing made it unfair to object.
We decided to start the second race early and get down to Manly ahead of schedule. We didn't start too well as we were anxious not to have the motor running after the 5 minute cut off. Neil, on board Holy Spirit since Top Knot's mast still isn't replaced, says you can do a 360 turn as exoneration if you run the motor for longer. But we ended up struggling in almost no wind to the line and as a result had a very slow start. It took us ages to pass Holy Spirit so I suspect a third in this race is inevitable.
We anchored at Store Beach for a yummy lunch provided by the crew with Julie as the mistress in charge. Fresh seafood from the fishmarket followed by a chicken she had cooked in her brand new slow cooker. It was a triumph. Then we motored to Manly to drop off Karina and collect Dayna. We joined Holy Spirit who'd picked up a mooring at 40 Baskets for the evening. Neil planned to cook chowder and luckily for us the pot wouldn't fit on Maria's stove. In return for use of our galley we were fed too. Much wine and hot buttered rum followed on a still and lovely evening. I suspect a Neil plot to get the crew hungover for the next day.
Maria collected Karina for us the next morning at Many along with extra crew for Holy Spirit. The third race started off Quarantine and finished at Obelisk (one for the boys) and the final race started there and ended at Athol Bay after a very slow float around Clark Island as the breeze dropped. It picked up for Holy Spirit so they caught us up quite a bit at the finish.
We now await the results - Neil ? Dayna ??
Despite the perfect weather (our only complaint being that a few extra knots of breeze would have helped now and then) only three boats turned out. Us (with Anni, Julie, Terina and Karina on board and Dayna for Sunday), Maria in Holy Spirit and Jenni and Kelly in Alcyone. The first race from Kirribili to Taylor Bay was quick. The boats all finished in size order, which continued all weekend. Only the times on handicap will tell us who came where. There was some question as to wether Alcyone started early and Maria contemplated a protest but eventually it was decided that self timing made it unfair to object.
We decided to start the second race early and get down to Manly ahead of schedule. We didn't start too well as we were anxious not to have the motor running after the 5 minute cut off. Neil, on board Holy Spirit since Top Knot's mast still isn't replaced, says you can do a 360 turn as exoneration if you run the motor for longer. But we ended up struggling in almost no wind to the line and as a result had a very slow start. It took us ages to pass Holy Spirit so I suspect a third in this race is inevitable.
We anchored at Store Beach for a yummy lunch provided by the crew with Julie as the mistress in charge. Fresh seafood from the fishmarket followed by a chicken she had cooked in her brand new slow cooker. It was a triumph. Then we motored to Manly to drop off Karina and collect Dayna. We joined Holy Spirit who'd picked up a mooring at 40 Baskets for the evening. Neil planned to cook chowder and luckily for us the pot wouldn't fit on Maria's stove. In return for use of our galley we were fed too. Much wine and hot buttered rum followed on a still and lovely evening. I suspect a Neil plot to get the crew hungover for the next day.
Maria collected Karina for us the next morning at Many along with extra crew for Holy Spirit. The third race started off Quarantine and finished at Obelisk (one for the boys) and the final race started there and ended at Athol Bay after a very slow float around Clark Island as the breeze dropped. It picked up for Holy Spirit so they caught us up quite a bit at the finish.
We now await the results - Neil ? Dayna ??
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Two Trophies and the Oily Oar
At last night's ASCC annual dinner Cheshire Cat was awarded 3rd in the Spring Series, 2nd in the Combined Point Score and the wooden spoon award. Our nomination of fellow club member Maria for running aground and buggering her steering failed to convince the judges that our getting tangled in a lobster pot's buoy and line wasn't so bad. It happend when Claire and Anni were saiing up the coast from Sydney to Broken Bay and our curiosity got the better of us. I guess being towed into Towlers Bay at Pittwater in front of the rest of the club helped cement our win.
Anni and that oar.
Half the crew is off to the US for the Gay Games VII regatta. see www.sisterhoodlums.blogspot.com to follow our results.
Anni and that oar.Half the crew is off to the US for the Gay Games VII regatta. see www.sisterhoodlums.blogspot.com to follow our results.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Mad Dogs and ASCC members
Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun but some ASCC members go out racing when the predicted winds are 20 to 30 knots. In our defence the forecast was that the winds would strengthen later in the afternoon and we expected to finish by 2pm or thereabouts.
Cheshire Cat started a bit late after making sure we knew how to reef the main and making sure all the lines were accessible and untangled.
After a comfortable sail from Towlers to Bradley’s Head we were walloped with strong winds coming out of Neutral Bay. We watched lots of other boats struggling and broaching as we rounded Fort Dennison and managed to avoid gybing for the run down to Rose Bay.
Rose Bay proved to be particularly difficult as the wind, gusting to 37 knots, funnelled straight across the harbour, knocking boats sideways and whipping the seas into a nasty froth and bubble. After rounding the Rose Bay mark several of the lugs holding the main in the mast snapped and we decided to call it quits. Turning on the motor and dropping the main we thanked Hughey (the first one not the second) for lazy jacks. Furling the jib proved a little more difficult as the sheets had wrapped themselves into a huge knot which aimed squarely at the heads of the brave crew. Finally all was secured and we motored home all the way being run down by Balmain yachts still sailing in the three island race.
We didn’t see Top Knot’s mast fall or Leap Frog run almost aground but we did see Alcyone, Jenny Handley and Kelly’s new boat, drop sails and turn on their motor just off Point Piper. I don’t think I have ever been so glad to get back onto the mooring where we had a cleansing ale and some lunch before an eventful row to shore. Thanks to two boys in a zodiak who were enjoying the conditions and looking for some fun we were towed to the Balmain Sailing Club after efforts to row into the wind to the pontoon near the Dawn Fraser Pool proved completely fruitless.
Unfortunately we were all too busy to take photos.
Cheshire Cat started a bit late after making sure we knew how to reef the main and making sure all the lines were accessible and untangled.
After a comfortable sail from Towlers to Bradley’s Head we were walloped with strong winds coming out of Neutral Bay. We watched lots of other boats struggling and broaching as we rounded Fort Dennison and managed to avoid gybing for the run down to Rose Bay.
Rose Bay proved to be particularly difficult as the wind, gusting to 37 knots, funnelled straight across the harbour, knocking boats sideways and whipping the seas into a nasty froth and bubble. After rounding the Rose Bay mark several of the lugs holding the main in the mast snapped and we decided to call it quits. Turning on the motor and dropping the main we thanked Hughey (the first one not the second) for lazy jacks. Furling the jib proved a little more difficult as the sheets had wrapped themselves into a huge knot which aimed squarely at the heads of the brave crew. Finally all was secured and we motored home all the way being run down by Balmain yachts still sailing in the three island race.
We didn’t see Top Knot’s mast fall or Leap Frog run almost aground but we did see Alcyone, Jenny Handley and Kelly’s new boat, drop sails and turn on their motor just off Point Piper. I don’t think I have ever been so glad to get back onto the mooring where we had a cleansing ale and some lunch before an eventful row to shore. Thanks to two boys in a zodiak who were enjoying the conditions and looking for some fun we were towed to the Balmain Sailing Club after efforts to row into the wind to the pontoon near the Dawn Fraser Pool proved completely fruitless.
Unfortunately we were all too busy to take photos.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Racing in a Gale
Sunday's ASCC race was held amid gusts over 40 knots. We did almost no damage but others in the race had a broken mast and a minor grounding amongst the damage. Only one of the 6 starters finished and that was the biggest boat. See Leap Frog's post for more detail and a wind graph for the day.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Racing with the ASCC
We race with the Australian Sailing and Cruising Club (ASCC). This is what the rest of the fleet looks like after a great start.
Cheshire Cat on the net
Here's our boat - a Catalina 30 named Cheshire Cat because since we bought her we started grinning a lot.
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