'Lou Abrahams onboard Challenge' Steb Fisher ©Photo [source: Rowan Simpson - Class Secretary]
Seven Sydney 38’s participated in the Morris Finance Short Course Regatta hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of the 20th and 21st September. The event is the traditional season opener for the Victorian fleet and is designed to provide owners and their crews the opportunity to have coaching, close short course racing and enjoy some social time together.
Unfortunately, a 30 knot south westerly prevented on water activity on Saturday but the time was well spent by conducting a clinic utilizing a panel of sailmakers headed by North Sails, Alby Pratt. Alby, a past National Champion sailing on 'Cydon', had travelled from Sydney specifically to assist crews set up their rigs and to pass on his Sydney 38 knowledge. He was ably assisted by the local Quantum sailmaker, Tony Bull and Sam Haines from Ulman sails.
Alby detailed the finer points of setting up a Sydney 38 rig using the North Sails tuning guide and fielded questions from the floor regarding trimming. Tony spoke about heavy weather spinnaker trim whilst Sam, who sailed with Bruce Taylor on the Sydney 38 'Chutzpah’ for many years, emphasized the importance of practice.
In the afternoon, the Race Officer, Greg Sinclair, provided insight into Race Management and Geoff Searle, a National Judge, conducted a rules session.
An owner’s meeting reappointed Lou Abrahams as their Victorian Representative on the Class Executive. An enjoyable spit roast completed the day’s activities.
On Sunday the weather had moderated to 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. With the flat water on Corio Bay, the conditions were ideal for racing. At 0930 hours, the fleet was sent on their way on a two lap windward leeward course. 'Challenge' (Lou Abrahams), with Scotty Walton on the helm and former World OK champion Peter Milne trimming the main, started well to led from start to finish with 'Cinquante' (Ian Murray) second and 'Scarlett Runner' (Robert Date) third. After winning the next two races 'Challenge' was the boat to beat with 'Cinquante' also doing well. However, an OCS in race 4, put the pressure on 'Challenge' which did well to recover to finish 3rd. The winner of this race and the big improver of the day was 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Andrew and Mel Mollison) which held out the consistent 'Cinquante'. The fifth and final race of the day was again won by 'Sierra Chainsaw' with 'Challenge' holding out 'Cinquante' to finish second and third respectively.
The highlight of the series was the close racing throughout the fleet. 'Clockwork Orange' (Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott) racing for the first time showing good form at times whilst 'Audacious' (Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden) also improved their position in the results.
Overall results without drops were as follows:-
1st 'Challenge' Lou Abrahams 8 points
2nd 'Sierra Chainsaw' Andrew and Mel Mollison 12 points (Count back)
3rd ' Cinquante' Ian Murray 12 points
4th 'Scarlett Runner' Robert Date' 19 points
5th ' Audacious' Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden 27 points
6th ' 38 Degrees South' John Chatham 31 points
7th 'Clockwork Orange' Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott 33 points
Seven Sydney 38’s participated in the Morris Finance Short Course Regatta hosted by Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the weekend of the 20th and 21st September. The event is the traditional season opener for the Victorian fleet and is designed to provide owners and their crews the opportunity to have coaching, close short course racing and enjoy some social time together.
Unfortunately, a 30 knot south westerly prevented on water activity on Saturday but the time was well spent by conducting a clinic utilizing a panel of sailmakers headed by North Sails, Alby Pratt. Alby, a past National Champion sailing on 'Cydon', had travelled from Sydney specifically to assist crews set up their rigs and to pass on his Sydney 38 knowledge. He was ably assisted by the local Quantum sailmaker, Tony Bull and Sam Haines from Ulman sails.
Alby detailed the finer points of setting up a Sydney 38 rig using the North Sails tuning guide and fielded questions from the floor regarding trimming. Tony spoke about heavy weather spinnaker trim whilst Sam, who sailed with Bruce Taylor on the Sydney 38 'Chutzpah’ for many years, emphasized the importance of practice.
In the afternoon, the Race Officer, Greg Sinclair, provided insight into Race Management and Geoff Searle, a National Judge, conducted a rules session.
An owner’s meeting reappointed Lou Abrahams as their Victorian Representative on the Class Executive. An enjoyable spit roast completed the day’s activities.
On Sunday the weather had moderated to 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots. With the flat water on Corio Bay, the conditions were ideal for racing. At 0930 hours, the fleet was sent on their way on a two lap windward leeward course. 'Challenge' (Lou Abrahams), with Scotty Walton on the helm and former World OK champion Peter Milne trimming the main, started well to led from start to finish with 'Cinquante' (Ian Murray) second and 'Scarlett Runner' (Robert Date) third. After winning the next two races 'Challenge' was the boat to beat with 'Cinquante' also doing well. However, an OCS in race 4, put the pressure on 'Challenge' which did well to recover to finish 3rd. The winner of this race and the big improver of the day was 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Andrew and Mel Mollison) which held out the consistent 'Cinquante'. The fifth and final race of the day was again won by 'Sierra Chainsaw' with 'Challenge' holding out 'Cinquante' to finish second and third respectively.
The highlight of the series was the close racing throughout the fleet. 'Clockwork Orange' (Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott) racing for the first time showing good form at times whilst 'Audacious' (Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden) also improved their position in the results.
Overall results without drops were as follows:-
1st 'Challenge' Lou Abrahams 8 points
2nd 'Sierra Chainsaw' Andrew and Mel Mollison 12 points (Count back)
3rd ' Cinquante' Ian Murray 12 points
4th 'Scarlett Runner' Robert Date' 19 points
5th ' Audacious' Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden 27 points
6th ' 38 Degrees South' John Chatham 31 points
7th 'Clockwork Orange' Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott 33 points
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