Maple Crown causes carnage in Vaucluse Regatta
by Erin McKnight on 20 Feb 2012
Vaucluse Regatta Laser Fleet - Photo Erin McKnight - Vaucluse Regatta Erin McKnight
Sydney turned on a glorious day for the 80th anniversary of the Vaucluse Regatta, which was held on Saturday. A record fleet of Lasers, OK Dinghies and Vee-Esses joined the strong yacht fleet to gallivant around the Harbour in an eventful and chaotic afternoon.
The historic regatta hosted by Vaucluse Yacht Club, kicked off early afternoon in a light sou-easter with a strong out-going tide. There was plenty of tight manoeuvring around the start line, which was flanked by the sow-and-pigs reef on one side, and the ferry lane on the other.
The yacht fleet got away to a clear start, heading towards Rose Bay. Competition was strong as the close-knit fleet converged at each mark rounding. The third beat was particularly exciting as the entire fleet found themselves in a tangle amongst yachts from other clubs, all heading in different directions and trying to avoid the huge moored ship ‘Maple Crown’. Rattle-N-Hum (David Green) became a victim when a port tack yacht smashed into their hull, breaking their lifelines and leaving them floundering. Twilight Zone (Bob Hearn) surged ahead to take the gun and the scratch prize for the day, with Mio Dio (Mike Cole) winning on handicap.
A 70-strong fleet of Lasers and Laser Radials charged from the starting line and completed three short sprint races. Sailors from Norway, Singapore, Pittwater, Middle Harbour, Double Bay and Bayview Sailing Clubs joined the regular Vaucluse sailors to compete in the series, which also incorporated the Vaucluse – Double Bay Challenge. Double Bay claimed victory over Vaucluse, taking the shield in the team event. Norwegian Kristian Ruth won the open Laser division, with Vanessa Dudley beating the blokes and winning the Laser Radial class.
The OK Dinghies sailed two races which also formed part of their NSW State Championships. Racing was close and when the final scores were tied, the winners had to be decided on a count-back. Agent Provocateur (M Skelton) stole the trophy from second place-getter Cracked Pecker (Ed O’Donnell).
The Vee-Ess fleet included crews from as far afield as Taree, the Hawkesbury, and the Murray River. Firestorm (John Hodda) won the division on scratch, with handicap prize going to Marengo (Alex Stewart).
A barbecue was held at Vaucluse Yacht Club after racing, with the presentation of trophies. Commodore Ian Bell thanked the regatta sponsors SLAM and Winning Appliances, the race management team, as well as all sailors who had travelled to take part in the regatta.
Full results will be posted on the VYC website
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