Heaven Can Wait 2011 – A Challenging Night

by Heaven Can Wait media on 2 Oct 2011 For the last three Heaven Can Wait 24 Hour races, wind and rain have kept the sailors company.

2011 and it was Déjà vu all over again. A cold night, with a strong southerly change kicking in.

Driving rain, winds to 25 knots and cold, once again this challenging race provided even more challenges.

Just after 9pm three boats reported that the Mannering Park buoy had blown ashore. It was replaced with a virtual mark for the night time hours. It was recovered from the Frying Pan Bay shoreline and rest this morning.
Retirements overnight Janess around 2010, Yes ran aground at 0220 and was refloated with the assistance of Marine Rescue Swansea. She retired at 0427.

Seamist retired at 0500, Faraway at 0510 and Bobsled at 0540. Nereus retired at 0640. Blue Lady at 0710.

A tough night, cold and wet and the rain continues this morning, in the centre of the lake its building now, its swung to the southest, there are white caps in the sheltered bay at Toronto. It’s likely to hit 30 knots in the next two hours.

At the end of the 0605 Radio sked, Michael Cowan rang from the race leader Stealthy, after being radio receptionless at the bottom of the lake, to provide his position report.

Through chattering teeth Michael report ‘Would have sent it by text but it’s so cold I can’t feel my fingers. ‘

At the completion of the 24 Hour race at 12 noon, boat positions, number of lap declarations provided the total distances travelled and results will be declared shortly