Sabot sailors,
Another weekend off coming up, and I bet you there will be breeze for the first time for ages! It’s got to change sometime………however it has been good for the new starters.
Another great turnout last weekend at the lake for all levels of coaching followed by race two of the 2006 Winter Series which proved to be another light wind drifter. Here is the race report from our avid reporter Mal Parsons:
“The second heat of the VSSA winter series on Albert Park Lake was even tougher than the first, if that’s possible. The 5kt breeze which allowed some great training sessions in the morning petered out to 0 – 2kts for the afternoon racing. The start was again jam-packed with 41 boats lining up and those boats that opted for clear air got away cleanly. The log jam at the boat end was hard to explain given the pin end was clearly favoured.
Nick Taylor was quickly up to maximum speed followed closely by Tim Hannah, Tom Jenkins, James Sly, Andrew Gilles and Cam Parsons. The skills and patience of these young sailors was on display as they were forced to work their way through the Sabre and Pacer fleest that that had started before them. As the race progressed, Tim moved into first followed closely by Nick and James who was showing great light weather form. Mercifully the race was shortened at the bottom mark after 2 laps. Tim held on to finish narrowly from Nick then came Cam, Tom and James in a blanket finish that had many (parents anyway) hearts thumping as the wind shifted dramatically in the dying moments.
There were some great performances down the fleet with Kate Jenkins finishing 11th, Oliver Kalpokas 13th, Tom Fisher 14th and Jayne English 15th particularly in those tough conditions. It should be noted that these sailors have finished both races and have been rewarded with good progress up the scoreboard as a result.
Just a couple of reminders to all sailors, especially those new to the Lake. It is vital that you remember to sign on and off before and after each race. Also, although there is only one start line there are actually two sailing clubs with different courses and finish lines. Make sure you get to the pre-race briefing and note the APYC course and finish line. Ask any of the Sabot committee members if in doubt”.
Thanks Mal. The cumulative results to date, now excluding those who have not entered but before drops, are now on the website at http://www.vicsabot.yachting.org.au/?page=23083&MenuID=News%2F10537%2F0
REMINDER – you need to enter for 2006 Wintersail this week to avoid late payment penalties – see link below or go to www.vic.yachting.org.au and got to Wintersail in Upcoming Events on the front page to enter online.
Can you help? We are looking for corporate or personal sponsors for individual races at this year’s Nationals at Sandringham - $500 for each Sabot Week race and $1,000 for each Nationals race. We have a good list so far, but are still looking for others to add. Whilst we do not have a lot to offer sponsors in the “return on investment” category, we will recognise their involvement in the program, the NOR if committed by then, and of course at the daily prize giving. For those of us who are close to the Sabot family, this is an excellent way to put a little something back. If you think you can help call Mark Taylor on 0417-832000.
Have a great weekend, see you soon
Yours in sailing
The Pres’
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