Wednesday Series Up-date

With flat water light ESE wind and pending shipping, the fleet managed to make the start under the watchful eye of Race Officer Baer. Sewen under pressure with 2 wins, narrowly missed the orange and peaches terminal before tacking. Malgas fell into a “hole” on the start line. Jellybaby tacked shortly after crossing the line and had a fortunate wind lift before tacking again and chased the wind shift out of the port.

Once clear of the breakwater Jellybaby headed for the turning mark (a 2 litre coke bottle in front of Hobie Pier) with Warrior and Wild Thing battling to catch-up. Wild Thing hauled there assymetrical up and had fun zigzagging to the mark and back to the finish line. Sewen and Malgas where left stranded outside of the Port entrance with insufficient airs to make forward movement.

After been advised by Port Control of change in shipping schedule the traditional finish “transit line” – Tower & Port Hand Mark was used. With the wind dropping off only 3 yachts finished with Jellybaby taking an enviable 1st place moving her to 2nd in the Series – looks like the gloves are really off!

A very big thanks to Tony & Ziggy Bailes for their sponsoring of the “Boerie rolls”, Hillary for “Boerie control Officer”, Morgan Griffiths for getting the boats on the water. It must also be noted and appreciated that as much as Port Elizabeth Port is a working harbour, the Port has been very accommodating with regards to our racing -thank you.

Next Wednesday the series continues, the forecast looks good with a moderate SW with possible moisture around. Given the fact that Jellybaby has shrugged off the “hugging & loving” attitude as part of the season start-up, will the other competitors be able to reel her in?

John Tudehope
AKA Dances while Walking – an ancient American Indian name bestowing greatness!

Provisional Results – R4 – 2014/11/05