Inshore Race 9, 12th January 2019

Fremantle Sailing Club Inshore Summer Series Race 9, 12nd January 2019

Twenty-two boats took to the water last Saturday when FSC’s Inshore Summer Series resumed after a break for Christmas, New Year, and the hosting of the 505 and Dragon World Championships.  Unfortunately, only seventeen boats recorded a finish with two disqualifications and three retirements – two following serious damage after a collision on course.  Fortunately there were no reported injuries however it was a disappointing start to 2019.

The wind was a modest sixteen knots from the south-west at the start, but the forecast increase didn’t eventuate and some boats that started with reefed mains shook out the reefs as the race progressed and some, but not all, eligible boats, flew their spinnakers.

Seven boats raced in a strong Division One fleet with Geoff Bishop’s recently acquired Checkmate romping home to take first and fastest on both IRC and TCF handicaps.  John Palmer and Jaye Martin’s Witchy Woman took second on TCF ahead of Eric Gath’s Stimulus Package.  Stimulus Package was second on IRC with Witchy Woman third.  Alan Anderson’s Zubenubi was put about behind Success during the start and later retired.

Division Two saw the most drama – beginning at the start with George Carter’s Eufarria disqualified after tacking onto port on the line (to avoid a close quarters situation with Pipedream III) and forcing Valkyr about.  Later in the race Ron Kooy’s Venestus collided heavily with Steve Delfos’s Minke.  Venestus was dismasted and Minke sustained damage to their headsail, forestay and foredeck forcing both boats to retire – both returned to the club without assistance.  This left Lance Woods’ Impulse the sole competitor on IRC, so despite Impulse having to turn back when almost at the finish to round a mark they’d missed, they were first and fastest!  Five boats remained to compete on TCF handicap with Kim Klaka’s Panache II taking first from Peter Williams’ Pipedream III with Jason Poutsma’s Mahjong third and fastest.

Seven boats started in Jib and Main division with Colin Arcus’s Big A maintaining their form to take first on TCF handicap ahead of Ole Otness’s The Longboat (fastest), with Franco Pieri’s Medusa third.  Peter Cochrane’s Raya was disqualified.

Presentations were made after the race in the Sailor’s bar.  Thanks as always to the Race Control Crew on Success.   Full race results can be found on www.sportspage.com.au, additional photos by Chris Bender can be found on One Drive.  Racing continues next week with Consistency Race 10/Championship Race 4.

Race Report and Photos by Frances Hammond