A Winning combination

The Winter Series from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron has so far demonstrated how varied winter on Sydney Harbour can be, and also how differently One O Nine performs with different winds. From perfect, warm sunny days without a breath of wind to gusty, pouring rain, the past 4 weeks of racing have provided many challenges.

We have had as many as 8 and as few as 4 crew in the races to date, yet our performance has increased consistently....

Race 1 - No wind at all. The race was essentially a drift up one windward leg to the finish. At almost 20 tonnes the best we could manage there was 8th over the line (8th handicap).

Race 2 - Almost no wind. Slightly better than the week before, we raced a shortened SW course with just one downwind leg. Again, in the light conditions it was hard to get One O Nine moving, and 8th on both handicap and scratch was the result.

Race 3 - 10 to 15 knots SW, sunny and a fleet of thousands to watch the return of Jessica Watson. The course was again shortened to be able to have some chance of avoiding running into the vast spectator fleet. With a run down to the Eastern Channel, back up around the naval buoys, we finished under a full masthead spinnaker in a respectable 4th over the line. This gave us 3rd on handicap (which takes into account that the 3 boats ahead of us are much, much lighter and faster in light winds).

Race 4 - Pouring rain (pre race) and about 15 to 20 knots S/SE wind. This was the first full course that we have sailed for the series, and it was all hands on deck to get the most out of One O Nine, so sorry about the lack of photos! I will try harder in Race 5. With a small error in determining which course we were racing, we gradually gained on the race leaders over the initial 2 legs. There is no problem if you are not in the lead an unsure of the course - follow the leaders! But as you get to the front, other people expect you to know where you're going!! No... It wasn't that bad! Flying a 1.5oz spinnaker with a full main and self tacking headsail, One O Nine was able to over-power the smaller yachts that begin to struggle in heavier air. We crossed the finish in 2nd position, which provided a clear 1st on handicap.

Race 5 - Stay tuned..... or jump on board and find out how things go, first hand!