Veteran Sailor retains Victorian Sydney 38 Title

by Rowan Simpson - Secretary on 24 Apr 2009
The 2009 Fiat Marine Engines and Generators Sydney 38 Victorian Championships hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club was again won by the veteran 83 year old Lou Abrahams and his 'Challenge' crew.

The series attracted nine entries and was sailed mainly in light and variable airs which both tested and frustrated crews. However, the race committee managed to complete the seven race series with time to spare which provided sailors with a great weekend of racing.

At the top end of the fleet, 'Challenge'(Helmed by Scott Walton) and 'Cinquinte' (Ian Murray) continued their dual for top stop but 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Mel & Andrew Mollison) and 'Scarlett Runner' (Rob Date) threatened throughout the series, each winning a heat. However, the big improver was 'Audacious' (Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden) which demonstrated great speed, the benefit of training and a second year of experience in the class. Jock MacAdie who usually sails 'Alex' two up with his son, Hamish joined forces with the young 'Another Challenge' crew to keep everyone honest.

'Clockwork' (Frank Mc Dermott & Gordon Mather) looked great with her new sails whilst 'Hasta La Vista' (Peter Voigt & David Phillips) and '38 Degrees South' (John Chatham) engaged in their private battle at the rear of the fleet.

Race 1 was won by 'Challenge' after being forced to the right at the start by 'Another Challenge' which sailed well to finish third. However, a right hand wind shift approaching the top mark gave 'Challenge' a sufficient lead to hold out a fast finishing 'Sierra Chainsaw'.

Race 2 was a repeat of Race 1 but 'Challenge' had to fight hard to work her way to the front after another slow start. 'Scarlett Runner', with Steve McConaghy calling the shots, demonstrated good pace and tactics to finish second, ahead of the improving 'Cinquante' finishing third.

Race 3 caught a number of competitors asleep when a wind shift to the left resulted in many boats overlaying the weather mark. 'Cinquante' picked the shift and lead from start to finish. With 'Challenge' recovering to finish second and 'Scarlett Runner' finishing third it was tight at the top end of the fleet.

Race 4 was again won by a very fast 'Cinquinte' looking good with a recut mainsail looking very powerful. Second placed 'Challenge’s ability to hold off 'Sierra Chainsaw', was sufficient to place her on top of the leader board at the end of the day after a close and exciting day on the water.

A well supported and pleasant social event was held on Saturday night where crews were able to swap stories and enjoy the regatta atmosphere. It has been suggested that one of the 'Challenge' crew was sent on a mission to 'destabilize' the 'Cinquinte' boys during the night but when questioned about this accusation, Lou denied any knowledge of the accusation!

Race 5 was won by 'Sierra Chainsaw' with 'Challenge' a consistent second from an unlucky 'Scarlett Runner' by the narrowest of margins. The finishing order was too close to call from the boats and the final result relied on the Race Officer’s judgement. 'Scarlett Runner' had led from the start only to fall in a hole near the top mark on the last lap.

Race 6 was again a close result. On this occasion 'Scarlett Runner' turned the tables on 'Challenge' winning by a second with 'Sierra Chainsaw' not far behind.

Race 7 reflected the final pecking order for the regatta with 'Challenge' a comfortable winner over 'Cinquinte' with 'Sierra Chainsaw' third. 'Audacious', with her fifth fourth placing was able to hold off 'Scarlett Runner' in another close finish.

Of the four Corinthian entries, 'Sierra Chainsaw' was the winner from 'Audacious' which is now threatening for a podium finish in our next regatta at Geelong.

A presentation barbeque was held after racing to conclude the regatta. The Southern Chapter of the Sydney 38 Association would like to acknowledge the volunteer Sandringham Yacht Club Officials, the on water race management team led by Graham Watt, the on course judges headed by Rob Ware and Monica Tonner in the office who made the event possible. The regatta was sailed in good spirit and the social events well supported by the crews.

An interesting innovation was trialled during the regatta was the use of 'Tacktracker' software which allowed the crews to review their performances on the big screen in the clubhouse. The software was available for sale and many crews took advantage of buying the technology to review their both their own tactics as well as their opposition.

Finally, a big thank you to the event primary sponsor, Rob Date (Fiat Marine Engines and Generators) and the secondary sponsors Ronstan, Ullman Sails and Mel Mollison for their generous contributions.

Final Results

PLACE BOAT NAME SKIPPER SCORE RACE PLACINGS

1 Challenge Lou Abrahams 11 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 1
2 Cinquinte Ian Murray 20 4, 3, 1, 1, 4, 5, 2
3 Sierra Chainsaw A & M Mollison 23 2, 6, 5, 3, 1, 3, 3
4 Scarlett Runner Rob Date 31 5, 2, 3, 5, disq, 1, 5
5 Audacious Greg Clinnick 31 6, 4, 4, 6, 3, 4, 4
Paul Holden
6 Another Challenge Jock MacAdie 37 3, 5, 6, 4, 7, 6, 6
7 Clockwork Frank McDermott 50 8, 8, 7, 7, 6, 7, 7
Gordon Mather
8 Hasta la Vista David Phillips 54 7, 7, 9, 9, 5, 9, 8
Peter Voigt
9 38 Degrees South John Chatham 59 9, 9, 8, 8, 8, 8, 9