Pittwater Newcastle report, RPAYC Bluewater Comp

by Damian Devine on 13 Oct 2006 Responding to the notion that recent race calendars haven’t provided sufficient space for adequate Blue Water competition, the 2006 Pittwater - Newcastle Race was slotted into the 2006 October long weekend by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

Russell Murphy, Vice Commodore Racing commented that, 'Entries required Cat 3 safety due to the likelihood an after dark finish could occur, but by that stage most old salts were enthusiastically sampling Hunter Valley hospitality & produce.'

The race commenced at 10AM in a 10-12 kt building sou-easter that provided ideal conditions for boats like Chris Ways S38, Easy Tiger to reach out of Pittwater with a flat A-sail. Once around Third Cape it was a drag race to the finish at the mouth of Newcastle Harbour.

With the breeze freshening to 22-25 kts, average speeds ranged from 12.98kts for Pretty Woman (Hudson/Lockley/Murphy) for line honours, to 9.01kts for team Jayhawk (Rob Alder) who finished just after 4.20PM. In the middle was the eventual handicap victor, Dark & Stormy Witch (Staples/King), with second place to Easy Tiger then Pretty Woman.

Competitors included our dedicated two-handers & cruisers with honours in that fleet going to Lik LIk (Lee Condell), Swifty (Greg McDonald) and Windsong (Rob Starkey).


On arrival, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club 'Rum Runners' provided willing participants with a welcome tot of Mount Gay Rum and after cleaning up, it was an easy stroll to the Albion Hotel that doubles as the NCYC bar pending construction of a planned $7M clubhouse. Until funding & building of that part of the NCYC, members have taken good care of 'on water' needs with large, modern, floating marinas & a range of concessionaires. They also have hot showers, café’s and are only a short walk from the Newcastle restaurant strip, Sydney trains, and quality accommodation.

Russell also added, 'The NCYC is extremely keen to foster relationships with RPAYC and based on what we saw, the venue has a lot to offer, particularly when we had a 3 day 'window' to race, relax and return to Newport.

On behalf of the whole fleet may I extend particular thanks to our volunteers, Ted & Sue Anderson, Trevor Hannah and Annie Taylor who officiated for the weekend.

Last, thanks to all the racers. Wasn’t it great to stretch your legs and wasn’t it a great sail!! I’d encourage everyone to stick the 2007 Pittwater – Newcastle Race into their advanced calendar.

Pending that, on 3-4 March 2007 there is the Botany Bay – Middle Harbour Blue Water race and I’d encourage everybody to diarise that right now. See you on the paddock.'