Aberdeen Boat Club- Season opener draws over 120 boats

by Bruce Perkins, ABC on 5 Sep 2010 The Aberdeen Boat Club Sunseeker Opening Regatta 2010 drew an entry list of over 120 boats, split between the Cruiser, Multihull and Dinghy divisions.

With the straggly remains of Tropical Depression Lion Rock still influencing the weather pattern over the race course, both the Cruiser and Dinghy fleets headed out to their respective start areas - the Dinghies to Stanley Bay, and the Cruisers aiming towards the south east approaches off Lamma Island to prepare for a day of geometric courses.

The premier Div A1 fleet was hotly contested between the Jelik fleet, with Tiffany Koo in Jelik 5 coming out on top.

In Division A2, the Archambault’s of Anthony Root (A35) and Greg Kearns (A40) dominated with a 1, 2 finish in both races hotly pursued by Denis Ma’s Rampage.

The first race was held in relatively light conditions, testing the fleet’s light weather tactics. But between race 1 and race 2 the wind shifted 30 degrees east and increased gradually to a steady 17kts. Race Officer Jerry Rollin anticipated the change in conditions and reset the course for the second race to make the most of this welcome addition.

The fleets reconvened at ABC’s Middle Island facility to enjoy the Sunseeker and Carlsberg sponsored award party with the following days racing to look forward to.

Tomorrow the fleet heads out to enjoy longer island-style courses, leaving the Race Team the challenge of how to make the most of the remaining wind left in the wake of Lion Rock's influence.