Pulbah Island Marathon
Last Saturday it was 41oC and blew over 25kts from the NW and an intense day of sailing was had by all. Several skippers from the local fleet came down to have a look but declined from racing, deciding discretion was the better part of valor. Eleven F18s were brave/stupid enough to enter the event for a bit of rip roaring, mast snapping fun. After multiple capsize, breakages and general mayhem only three boats actually finished the marathon. Billy and Dean Nissen where victorious completing the race in just under two hours. They only had two capsizes and broke main sail battens and dinted their mast. Thirteen minutes and a couple of swims later, Brett White and his guest crew sailed home on their new Wild Cat appropriately named the Feral Cat. Chris Caldercoat finished third on his Capricorn.
Speers Point Amateur sailing Club did a wonderful job hosting the event and kept everyone safe. The rescue boats had many customers and there was quite an inventory damage with two boats breaking spreaders. Thank you to Brianna White for the fabulous photos of the day.
Grant Barr has bought a Nacra from Queensland and will be racing with John Jay. Ian Simpson has picked up his dad Kershy as crew. It was also good to see some of the new blokes Caedric Reader, Paul Whyte and some of the old faces Andrew Driver and Chris Caldercoat amongst the sailors.
Next Events of the NSW F18 Travellers Series
Sunday Feb 27 Cock of the Bay Marathon Kurnell.
This is a one day regatta with a briefing at 10 am. In the past they run sprint races in the morning followed by a marathon race around Botany Bay. The race is lots of fun and attracts a first class fleet. The NOR is coming soon. For info on the club go to website http://www.kcc.asn.au/
Weekend March 5 and 6 Darren Lowder Memorial Regatta Trial Bay.
Two days, six races and the social BBQ of the year. Come experience some of the greatest sailing in what has to be the greatest venue on the NSW Coast. This is not only the regatta of the year and a great social weekend away, but a chance to remember a lost sailor and friend to many
Best to book your accommodation for this regatta. For camping contact Arakoon State Recreational Area 02 65666168 or check out the website http://www.trialbaygaol.com/camping.html For rental apartments contact LJHookers South West Rocks http://www.ljhooker.com.au/search?g1=192&a1=1&a0=all&a0=residential&a3=rent&a5[]=holiday
Sunday April 17 Darren Lowder Memorial Regatta Kurnell
For info go to the website http://www.kcc.asn.au/
Sydney Flying Squadron
The F18 President is visiting the SFS this week to talk about the $5000 race next season. They are keen to see F18s race at the club occasionally and they are getting sponsorship. A couple of us are going down to join their Saturday races for the next two weeks.
See you on the water
Leanne Gould
