PMYC and Jolly Roger Laser Regatta 2010

by Jason Goulding on 23 Nov 2010 Twenty three local laser sailors lined up on the start line off Port Melbourne beach for the first race of the 2010 instalment of the annual Port Melbourne Yacht Club Jolly Roger Laser regatta held the weekend of 6th and 7th November 2010. The fleet comprised a good mix of standard, radial and 4.7 sailors of all levels with the presence of current state champions Mark Tonner-Joyce (full rig) and Simon Merritt (radial) ensuring that the fleet was not short on quality and inspiration.

With three races scheduled for the Saturday afternoon, the breeze built beautifully allowing all races to be run in a stable 15-18 knot sea breeze requiring the complete focus of sailors' attention on picking the preferred path up the works due to the sometimes shifty conditions. The accompanying short steep chop challenged all up the works but made for some great rides and passing opportunities off the wind.

Sunday's conditions were not for the faint hearted. With offshore winds fluctuating between 22-30 knots, the attrition rate for Sunday's races was high with many opting for presumably warmer and relaxed alternative activities. Only eight sailors braved the conditions for the first race - this reducing to only 5 sailors making the start for third and final race - with many having to withdraw throughout the day due to breakages. Although the upwind works were gruelling, the off wind rides provided the rewarding adrenaline filled rush only a laser racer
knows.

The competition was tight between the radial and full rig sailors with Simon Merritt handling the gusty conditions skilfully winning all races with Owen McMahon, Jim Temple and Dan Wadsworth following close behind within striking distance. After both days racing, the standings were as follows:

Full rig: 1 Jim Temple, 2 Robert Wilson, 3 Tim Foster – all of PMYC;

Radial rig: 1 Simon Merritt (McCYC), 2 Owen McMahon (SYC), 3 Dan Wadsworth (PMYC).

4.7 rig: 1 Isobelle Batty, 2 Thomas Green (all of PMYC)

For those that attended all races, the weekend provided great racing. Mention must be made of the fantastic efforts of the PMYC race management team over the duration of the weekend.

The courses could not have been better sized and oriented providing the fleet with a fair but challenging racing environment. It must also be noted that the decision to race on the Sunday was marginal, but the high degree of professionalism exercised by the race management team ensured that all sailors' safety was never in jeopardy despite the blustery conditions.

Thanks also goes to local PSA rep Buster Hooper for his continued support of this growing event, and who again handed out another great range of prizes provided by PSA, Zhik and Queensport. Given much positive feedback, the planning for next years event will be shortly in full swing and details scheduled to be released shortly.