The Cat's Whiskers

We won the Balmain Regatta! at least we won our division, open yachts B, a non-spinnaker division.
No one was more surprised than me. Very surprised skipper with the trophy

I had been complaining that it was the single worst race I had ever sailed. In very light winds we were overtaken by a bigger boat on the start line as we crossed just after the gun, and we lost all our wind. That combined with a tide running out against us meant we came to a complete stop then drifted backwards "kissing" the start boat. Fortunately they were not fussed and just reminded us about the 360 rule. So we set off again, we managed to cross the line and tack up towards Birkenhead, Cheshire Cat finally gets past the start line

watching poor Solveig struggling to get moving. Solveig struggling against the tide

Then we battled fickle winds, outgoing tide and predatory boats around the islands including Goat where thankfully there was some wind. At one point there were five boats all in a line side by side between Goat and Mort Bay but good old Cheshire Cat pulled ahead aided by some excellent sail handling by the crew.
We then headed towards the Hunters Hill mark and rounded it then fell straight into irons. Thanks to some very poor helming. We then hit the mark but managed to avoid several other boats rounding behind us. So another 360 turn was made quickly while we had some wind and the crew were running on adrenaline. Finally away again we rounded the final mark and had a neck an neck race to the line with another boat, eventually pulling ahead to cross first. We were about 13th across but WINNERS on handicap!
Lucky Jenny has cemented her nickname.
Some of the old gaffers racing
Pictures are by Barbara Hamilton at BSC