Perth Sailing Club Points Series - Update

Perth SC members rowing the skiff 'The Silvery Pearl' © Bob Watson

On Saturday there was brisk force 5 on the water and rather unusually for the club, no sailing boats were out on the water. Instead, many members turned out assisting in the commissioning of the Rowing Skiff "The Silvery Pearl".

The skiff, built as a community project by students at Perth High School had never been launched on the river before. David Gilbertson and Robin Illsley who have taken a keen interest in the project ensured that the craft was launched safely at the Willowgate cafe.

There was no shortage of volunteer crews as Lady Club members along with their families and many members all took turns in rowing the boat tutored by David and Robin. The skiff performed admirably in the lively conditions even when rowed by the novice crews. Crews were swapped over at the sailing club. Everybody in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Jim Davidson provided safety cover keeping a watchful eye from the Club's Safety Boat. It was a superb and different experience on the water for many and provided a good photo opportunity for those motoring past in the tourist boat Badger.

The Points series continued on Sunday the 15th with seven boats taking to the water for the first race of the evening in sunny conditions with a stiff westerly breeze. It was a clean start with Bob Watson (Laser) leading on port tack followed by James Curley (Streaker) then Andrew Porteous (Firefly). By D mark Andrew had taken the lead but again was quickly overtaken by Bob and James and by the end of the first round it was Bob followed by James, then Peter Bevan (Solo), Andrew, the two Albacores of Robin MacArthur crewed by Jamie and John Ferguson, helmed by Anne Bryson and Bill Inches (Firefly).

By the second round Bob was a good way ahead with the rest of the fleet, Peter half a minute behind with the rest of the boats more spaced out with Bill retiring at the end of the first round. Positions remained the same for the third and final round with Bob crossing the line ahead of Peter with James in third position.

Six boats entered the second race of the evening with Leonie Poor joining the race in her Mirror. Tourist Boat Badger hove too near the south bank allowing the fleet to sail past. Bob was first round the B mark closely followed by remaining fleet with Leonie to the rear. By the end of the first round Peter had managed to just get ahead of Bob followed by Andrew while Leonie retired after the round. Peter (Solo) retained the lead ahead of Bob (Laser) followed by James (Laser), then Andrew (Firefly) with Anne and John (Albacore) to the rear. First over the line was Peter followed by Bob with James in third position.

Race 1 results after handicap:

1st Marsh Daisy (P.Bevan)
2nd Blue Meanie (B.Watson)
3rd Bear (J.Curley)

Race 2 results after handicap:

1st Marsh Daisy (P.Bevan)
2nd Bear (J.Curley)
3rd Blue Meanie (B.Watson)