Today's trailer yacht racing at Weymouth was lacking in numbers, but as all the competitors had made alterations over the winter it was still anyones day.
In the very light winds of the first race, the Cherry 16 steered mostly by seven year old Ashley showed excellent form and lead from start to finish, ahead of the Quicksilver 16.
In the second race these two were joined by the Beachcomber 22, and the racing was a lot hotter.
The Cherry and Quicksilver got away from the start well ahead of the Beachcomber, but Rob found some magic and rapidly overtook both the smaller yachts, to lead easily by the first mark. Downwind the fleet stayed pretty close together, and all three boats rounded the turning mark very close together, the Beachcomber just leading the Quicksilver, with the Cherry just seconds behind. Upwind, the smaller boats in previous races have shown better ability, however the work done to the Beachcomber has really sped her up, and she continued to pull ahead. the quicksilver and Cherry were close together up this leg, as both boats experimented with different settings. The Cherry then ran aground while trying to get upwind of the Quicksilver, so their race was almost over, as the time they were aground left them further behind the other two. On the final leg to the finish, all three boats made good pace, but neither of the smaller boats could close the gap, as the beachcomber claimed her first line-honours win of the season.
Full results available on the club website, as soon as I work them out.
Showing posts with label beachcomber 22. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beachcomber 22. Show all posts
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Trailer Yacht fun at Weymouth
Two days of great fun was had at Weymouth Yacht Club over the first days of Anniversary Weekend.
Rob L had his new Hartley 16 on site, so the first day became a long match race between this and the Cherry 16. Later in the day we were joined by Rob K in the Beachcomber 22.
In the light winds, the Cherry struggled to keep pace with the Hartley early on, trailing until Rob made a bad decision and got caught in the outgoing tide.
Mid afternoon, we started experimenting with crew positions in the Cherry, and found that by sending the heaviest crew member far forward, that upwind performance improved dramatically in the light winds.
Sunday morning dawned cooler, and the same three boats (with different crews) were out for some serious-ish racing.
The first race was a long L shape, with return legs, totalling around 5 miles. At the first mark, following a long reach, the Hartley was just leading the Cherry, with the Beachcomber a little further back, struggling with sail changes in the variable conditions. The next leg was a long beat, with winds gusting between ten and 20knots. Early on, the Cherry got her nose in front, until half way up the beat they went to the left side of the course looking for a favourable shift that wasn't there. This let the Hartley gain the advantage, which they held on the return legs all the way back to Weymouth.
The beachcomber found the going tough, and was unable to keep pace in the changeable conditions today.
The second race was much shorter, only around two miles. The race became a procession as the wind turned slightly making it a beam reach in both directions. The Hartley again showed why they are the worlds favourite trailer yacht, and lead the other boats all the way.
Rob L had his new Hartley 16 on site, so the first day became a long match race between this and the Cherry 16. Later in the day we were joined by Rob K in the Beachcomber 22.
In the light winds, the Cherry struggled to keep pace with the Hartley early on, trailing until Rob made a bad decision and got caught in the outgoing tide.
Mid afternoon, we started experimenting with crew positions in the Cherry, and found that by sending the heaviest crew member far forward, that upwind performance improved dramatically in the light winds.
Sunday morning dawned cooler, and the same three boats (with different crews) were out for some serious-ish racing.
The first race was a long L shape, with return legs, totalling around 5 miles. At the first mark, following a long reach, the Hartley was just leading the Cherry, with the Beachcomber a little further back, struggling with sail changes in the variable conditions. The next leg was a long beat, with winds gusting between ten and 20knots. Early on, the Cherry got her nose in front, until half way up the beat they went to the left side of the course looking for a favourable shift that wasn't there. This let the Hartley gain the advantage, which they held on the return legs all the way back to Weymouth.
The beachcomber found the going tough, and was unable to keep pace in the changeable conditions today.
The second race was much shorter, only around two miles. The race became a procession as the wind turned slightly making it a beam reach in both directions. The Hartley again showed why they are the worlds favourite trailer yacht, and lead the other boats all the way.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What's happening at Weymouth
Coming up at Weymouth Yacht Club this weekend we have the first of this seasons River Races on Saturday, followed by the first Harbour Race on Sunday.
The river course will see dinghy classes racing up the Pahurehure inlet towards the Papakura motorway, around a few channel markers, and finishing in front of the clubhouse.
Sunday's harbour course will start and finish in front of the clubhouse, and larger boats will head out into the main harbour, tackling semi-open water, and rounding the Wiri LPG terminal. Depending on the weather, the course could stretch as far as the airport or further.
Both courses will be set according to conditions, and while we will have full safety cover on Saturday, boats participating on Sunday will need to be self-sufficient, as conditions out in the main harbour can be quite hazardous. For this reason, Saturday is being promoted as a dinghy event, and Sunday as a trailer yacht event.
Trailer yachts can race on Saturday if desired, and large dinghies can race Sunday, subject to a safety inspection.
Both days events count towards their respective series points, and club handicaps will be applied afterwards to determine results.
Come along and join in on the day that best suits your needs.
The river course will see dinghy classes racing up the Pahurehure inlet towards the Papakura motorway, around a few channel markers, and finishing in front of the clubhouse.
Sunday's harbour course will start and finish in front of the clubhouse, and larger boats will head out into the main harbour, tackling semi-open water, and rounding the Wiri LPG terminal. Depending on the weather, the course could stretch as far as the airport or further.
Both courses will be set according to conditions, and while we will have full safety cover on Saturday, boats participating on Sunday will need to be self-sufficient, as conditions out in the main harbour can be quite hazardous. For this reason, Saturday is being promoted as a dinghy event, and Sunday as a trailer yacht event.
Trailer yachts can race on Saturday if desired, and large dinghies can race Sunday, subject to a safety inspection.
Both days events count towards their respective series points, and club handicaps will be applied afterwards to determine results.
Come along and join in on the day that best suits your needs.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Hot trailer yacht action at Weymouth
Todays third day of the TY summer series at Weymouth provided some intense racing and very close finishes.
The day dawned overcast and raining, with very little wind. By the time everyone was rigged and ready to go, the breeze was up to around 15 knots, and the rain had gone away for a bit.
Course 2 was chosen from the book for the first race, which saw boats starting in the river mouth, racing up towards the cosmo club, before heading further south, towards Papakura.
After an even start, Murray and Rob L, in the quicksilver took an early lead, with Rob K in the beachcomber, and Aaron, Gina, and kids in the cherry close behind. Beating upwind from Shark Island, the cherry crew hooked into a favourable shift early on, and took the lead, just ahead of the quicksilver.
After beating for a mile, these two boats were still within a few meters as they rounded the cosmo club marker, while the beachcomber had lost a little ground. On the flat run back out to Shark, the gaps remained fairly similar, as none of the boats could quite reach escape velocity and get planing properly.
The next leg, heading towards the Papakura motorway, was a very close reach, and with the breeze still just below planing conditions, the longer waterline of the beachcomber came into play, and Rob came charging up on the other two. Both 16 footers just managed to hold the front placings rounding the next mark, and then managed to maintain their advantage on the downwind leg. The next leg, again upwind, allowed the cherry to open up a bigger lead, mostly thanks to the others getting out of phase with the shifts.
From then on, the race became a procession, as the gaps were big enough that no-one could challenge the others.
The second race was just a windward-leeward sprint, starting and finishing in front of Wattle downs, to allow the beachcomber time to get back on the mooring before the tide ran away. Another even start saw the beachcomber leading the way, ahead of the quicksilver and cherry. approaching the windward mark, thats how the positions stayed, until all three boats got into the strong opposing tide. At this point, the cherry again managed to scrape around first, with the other two boats scrapping it out for second, just a few seconds behind. Downwind to the finish, the beachcomber and quicksilver were each trying to get past the other, which allowed the cherry an easy win, and in a photo finish, the quicksilver again managed to finish second, just barely ahead of the beachcomber.
Then the rain came, and we all ended up sailing back to the club sopping wet. But above all, it was a good day on the water, enjoyed by all who went out.
One more day, two more races, and the final results will be known.
The day dawned overcast and raining, with very little wind. By the time everyone was rigged and ready to go, the breeze was up to around 15 knots, and the rain had gone away for a bit.
Course 2 was chosen from the book for the first race, which saw boats starting in the river mouth, racing up towards the cosmo club, before heading further south, towards Papakura.
After an even start, Murray and Rob L, in the quicksilver took an early lead, with Rob K in the beachcomber, and Aaron, Gina, and kids in the cherry close behind. Beating upwind from Shark Island, the cherry crew hooked into a favourable shift early on, and took the lead, just ahead of the quicksilver.
After beating for a mile, these two boats were still within a few meters as they rounded the cosmo club marker, while the beachcomber had lost a little ground. On the flat run back out to Shark, the gaps remained fairly similar, as none of the boats could quite reach escape velocity and get planing properly.
The next leg, heading towards the Papakura motorway, was a very close reach, and with the breeze still just below planing conditions, the longer waterline of the beachcomber came into play, and Rob came charging up on the other two. Both 16 footers just managed to hold the front placings rounding the next mark, and then managed to maintain their advantage on the downwind leg. The next leg, again upwind, allowed the cherry to open up a bigger lead, mostly thanks to the others getting out of phase with the shifts.
From then on, the race became a procession, as the gaps were big enough that no-one could challenge the others.
The second race was just a windward-leeward sprint, starting and finishing in front of Wattle downs, to allow the beachcomber time to get back on the mooring before the tide ran away. Another even start saw the beachcomber leading the way, ahead of the quicksilver and cherry. approaching the windward mark, thats how the positions stayed, until all three boats got into the strong opposing tide. At this point, the cherry again managed to scrape around first, with the other two boats scrapping it out for second, just a few seconds behind. Downwind to the finish, the beachcomber and quicksilver were each trying to get past the other, which allowed the cherry an easy win, and in a photo finish, the quicksilver again managed to finish second, just barely ahead of the beachcomber.
Then the rain came, and we all ended up sailing back to the club sopping wet. But above all, it was a good day on the water, enjoyed by all who went out.
One more day, two more races, and the final results will be known.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bumpy rides for the trailer yachts
Sunday 26th saw the second day of the Weymouth Yacht Club TY summer series, and what a day it was!
Before the start, it was decided that, in the light winds at the time, and with a favourable forecast, a course around and beyond the Wiri LPG terminal was a good idea.
As the local Waka Ama paddlers were out in force, we decided to start directly in front of the clubhouse, which was just off to the side of their course.
It would have been an impressive sight, with around ten Wakas, four racing yachts, and several sea scout boats all whizzing around, plus of course the local fisho's motoring in and out.
Of course, the breeze then started to build, and then build some more.
At the start, Aaron, sailing with six year old Ashley as crew in the Cherry, acted as gate boat, and with the breeze now up, they couldn't hold the boat down, so sailed the beat with no jib.
After almost a mile of beating, Murray and Ajith in the Quicksilver rounded the first mark just ahead of the two Rob's in the Beachcomber, with the Cherry a little further back in third, while Pete, sailing the Paper Tiger was just behind them, having turned back to rescue his hat!
The next part of the course was interesting, as the gusts off the headland laid most of the boats on their ear at some point. As this was a close reach, Pete put the hammer down on the cat and disappeared into the distance, rounding the LPG terminal a good ten minutes in front. This was more of a feat than it seems, as the waves out there were over a metre high by this stage, and the breeze approaching 20 knots.
Sadly for Pete, he rounded the terminal the wrong way, which meant he was not classed as a finisher in the race. On the way back, even though he was backing off quite a bit, the cat proved to be faster than the rescue boat on several occasions.
As the first trailer yachts approached the terminal, Murray still held a slight lead over Rob, with the Cherry, still with no jib, well behind in third.
Rounding the terminal, things went slightly wrong for Rob, and they lost a lot of ground, slipping back to the point where they rounded the next mark only just ahead of Aaron.
Turning downwind for the ride home, Murray now held a commanding lead, and would be unchallenged for the rest of the day. The beachcomber and the cherry started their usual drag race, and, with the wind now behind the boats, Aaron hoisted his jib, whilst Rob put up a bigger one.
The cherry, being lighter, planed most of the way back, slowly gaining on the beachcomber. Aaron decided to stay well to leeward, away from the shore, while Rob decided to go high, out of the tide.
Rounding the final mark before the finish, the cherry was just ahead, and managed to hold the lead to the finish.
So, after three races, we have had three winners. The rest of the series is shaping up to be great - join us for some more hot action!
Before the start, it was decided that, in the light winds at the time, and with a favourable forecast, a course around and beyond the Wiri LPG terminal was a good idea.
As the local Waka Ama paddlers were out in force, we decided to start directly in front of the clubhouse, which was just off to the side of their course.
It would have been an impressive sight, with around ten Wakas, four racing yachts, and several sea scout boats all whizzing around, plus of course the local fisho's motoring in and out.
Of course, the breeze then started to build, and then build some more.
At the start, Aaron, sailing with six year old Ashley as crew in the Cherry, acted as gate boat, and with the breeze now up, they couldn't hold the boat down, so sailed the beat with no jib.
After almost a mile of beating, Murray and Ajith in the Quicksilver rounded the first mark just ahead of the two Rob's in the Beachcomber, with the Cherry a little further back in third, while Pete, sailing the Paper Tiger was just behind them, having turned back to rescue his hat!
The next part of the course was interesting, as the gusts off the headland laid most of the boats on their ear at some point. As this was a close reach, Pete put the hammer down on the cat and disappeared into the distance, rounding the LPG terminal a good ten minutes in front. This was more of a feat than it seems, as the waves out there were over a metre high by this stage, and the breeze approaching 20 knots.
Sadly for Pete, he rounded the terminal the wrong way, which meant he was not classed as a finisher in the race. On the way back, even though he was backing off quite a bit, the cat proved to be faster than the rescue boat on several occasions.
As the first trailer yachts approached the terminal, Murray still held a slight lead over Rob, with the Cherry, still with no jib, well behind in third.
Rounding the terminal, things went slightly wrong for Rob, and they lost a lot of ground, slipping back to the point where they rounded the next mark only just ahead of Aaron.
Turning downwind for the ride home, Murray now held a commanding lead, and would be unchallenged for the rest of the day. The beachcomber and the cherry started their usual drag race, and, with the wind now behind the boats, Aaron hoisted his jib, whilst Rob put up a bigger one.
The cherry, being lighter, planed most of the way back, slowly gaining on the beachcomber. Aaron decided to stay well to leeward, away from the shore, while Rob decided to go high, out of the tide.
Rounding the final mark before the finish, the cherry was just ahead, and managed to hold the lead to the finish.
So, after three races, we have had three winners. The rest of the series is shaping up to be great - join us for some more hot action!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What's happening..... in the weekend.
Saturday -
Weymouth YC has training at 11:45.
FBYC Regatta runs both days - arrive 10:30.
Waiuku YC have a Clarks beach trip.
Sunday -
Weymouth YC has race 2 of the Trailer Yacht Summer Series, Briefing at 11:30.
MYMBC has the final day of their series C, at 13:30.
FBYC regatta continues, also summer series 4. arrive at 11:00.
Waiuku return journey from Clarks beach.
And of course, for any laser sailors.....
Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club are holding the 35th annual;
RSA Regatta - open to all laser 1 rigs ( Standard, radial, 4.7 )
Registration from 0900,
Briefing 0945
First warning signal 1030 sharp.
Weymouth YC has training at 11:45.
FBYC Regatta runs both days - arrive 10:30.
Waiuku YC have a Clarks beach trip.
Sunday -
Weymouth YC has race 2 of the Trailer Yacht Summer Series, Briefing at 11:30.
MYMBC has the final day of their series C, at 13:30.
FBYC regatta continues, also summer series 4. arrive at 11:00.
Waiuku return journey from Clarks beach.
And of course, for any laser sailors.....
Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club are holding the 35th annual;
RSA Regatta - open to all laser 1 rigs ( Standard, radial, 4.7 )
Registration from 0900,
Briefing 0945
First warning signal 1030 sharp.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Inaugural TY race at Weymouth
Well, despite our best efforts, the fleet that turned up for the first race specifically for trailer yachts was only attended by the three local boats, which was a shame because the weather was perfect, and the racing was pretty intense too!
The first race, designated as course 3, started well, and Murray and Pete in the Quicksilver took an early lead on the downhill run after the start. Unfortunately, about a mile into the leg they suffered a broken rudderblade, which put them out for the day. At that point the beachcomber sailed by Rob and Ajith had an almost dead even placing with Aaron and Gina (plus kids) in the Cherry.
Rounding the first mark, the cherry managed to just get their nose in front, while the smaller jib chosen by the beachcomber guys was proving to be just a little too small in the lighter patches, leaving them underpowered on the beat, and losing ground. Halfway around the course, they changed up to the bigger one again,but it was too late, as the cherry took an easy victory.
The second race, sailed close to the Papakura motorway (course 4), was a much closer affair, as the big genoa did it's job, with both boats close together for the duration. Rob was seen doing a couple of 360's early on,after being knocked flat by sudden gusts. Each of these helped Aaron to get back in front. After an hour of racing, both boats were side by side, with around ten minutes of course left.
Rob lead going into the last mark, only to lose his advantage in a shift that favoured Aaron. Half way up the beat, both boats converged in a classic port/starboard, and Aaron managed to tack into a safe leeward position, executing what could be called a perfect lee-bow, slowing rob just enough to sneak ahead. Then it was Aaron's turn to get the wrong shift, and Rob managed to cross just in front again. With only around 100 metres to go, and one tack left, that was the end, as the beachcomber finished around 20 seconds ahead of the cherry.
So, that's how it stacked up on the first day, two good races, awesome weather, and even points. With the boats currently racing, line honours will count for series points, ratings will only be used if we get some visiting boats of different designs.
The first race, designated as course 3, started well, and Murray and Pete in the Quicksilver took an early lead on the downhill run after the start. Unfortunately, about a mile into the leg they suffered a broken rudderblade, which put them out for the day. At that point the beachcomber sailed by Rob and Ajith had an almost dead even placing with Aaron and Gina (plus kids) in the Cherry.
Rounding the first mark, the cherry managed to just get their nose in front, while the smaller jib chosen by the beachcomber guys was proving to be just a little too small in the lighter patches, leaving them underpowered on the beat, and losing ground. Halfway around the course, they changed up to the bigger one again,but it was too late, as the cherry took an easy victory.
The second race, sailed close to the Papakura motorway (course 4), was a much closer affair, as the big genoa did it's job, with both boats close together for the duration. Rob was seen doing a couple of 360's early on,after being knocked flat by sudden gusts. Each of these helped Aaron to get back in front. After an hour of racing, both boats were side by side, with around ten minutes of course left.
Rob lead going into the last mark, only to lose his advantage in a shift that favoured Aaron. Half way up the beat, both boats converged in a classic port/starboard, and Aaron managed to tack into a safe leeward position, executing what could be called a perfect lee-bow, slowing rob just enough to sneak ahead. Then it was Aaron's turn to get the wrong shift, and Rob managed to cross just in front again. With only around 100 metres to go, and one tack left, that was the end, as the beachcomber finished around 20 seconds ahead of the cherry.
So, that's how it stacked up on the first day, two good races, awesome weather, and even points. With the boats currently racing, line honours will count for series points, ratings will only be used if we get some visiting boats of different designs.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Trailer Yacht Summer Series at Weymouth
Our summer race series for trailer yachts starts this weekend, on Sunday.
Briefing at 11:30, first race to start soon after, once everyone is afloat.
We have a selection of courses planned, will decide which one at the briefing.
Course books available at briefing, or will be available on the WYC website tomorrow afternoon.
We would love to see all the auckland trailer yachts in attendance!
Drag your old boats out from the back yard, and bring them down, entry is free, snacks and drinks available.
Briefing at 11:30, first race to start soon after, once everyone is afloat.
We have a selection of courses planned, will decide which one at the briefing.
Course books available at briefing, or will be available on the WYC website tomorrow afternoon.
We would love to see all the auckland trailer yachts in attendance!
Drag your old boats out from the back yard, and bring them down, entry is free, snacks and drinks available.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Trailer Yachts at Weymouth
Following a quick text-round last night, Three trailer yachts assembled at the club in the early morning to have a bit of a practice before next weeks summer series starts.
Sailing with families, Aaron and Gina were in the Cherry, while Rob was in the beachcomber, and Murray was in the quicksilver.
In the first race, Murray established a commanding lead on the long reach across the river, only to have a halyard failure, and lose the use of his jib. This allowed Rob and Aaron to both get past on the beat up river. The cherry then built up a sizable lead, saying "Cherryo", and was never headed. Rob got through to second in this one, with Murray third.
All three boats then went ashore, so the halyard could be repaired.
Once back afloat, the action continued. This time, again, the quicksilver opened up quite a lead early on, with Rob in second, and Aaron back in third. In the lightening breeze, Aaron went right on the beat, while Murray and Rob both went left. Aaron hooked into some nice fresher breeze, and started gaining. Part way up the beat, and in nice breeze, the cherry hit the front, and then hit the mud! After dragging for maybe 200m, they cleared the mud, and, incredibly were still ahead, just. The quicksilver was close behind in second, while the beachcomber was struggling for speed upwind in the light conditions.
Rounding the top mark for the last time, the cherry went for a poled out jib, and slowly eased further in front.
Two from two for the cherry today, however it doesn't matter, as our real series starts next Sunday at 11:30 in the morning.
Good fun was had by all, and we all hope for a much bigger fleet next weekend.
Sailing with families, Aaron and Gina were in the Cherry, while Rob was in the beachcomber, and Murray was in the quicksilver.
In the first race, Murray established a commanding lead on the long reach across the river, only to have a halyard failure, and lose the use of his jib. This allowed Rob and Aaron to both get past on the beat up river. The cherry then built up a sizable lead, saying "Cherryo", and was never headed. Rob got through to second in this one, with Murray third.
All three boats then went ashore, so the halyard could be repaired.
Once back afloat, the action continued. This time, again, the quicksilver opened up quite a lead early on, with Rob in second, and Aaron back in third. In the lightening breeze, Aaron went right on the beat, while Murray and Rob both went left. Aaron hooked into some nice fresher breeze, and started gaining. Part way up the beat, and in nice breeze, the cherry hit the front, and then hit the mud! After dragging for maybe 200m, they cleared the mud, and, incredibly were still ahead, just. The quicksilver was close behind in second, while the beachcomber was struggling for speed upwind in the light conditions.
Rounding the top mark for the last time, the cherry went for a poled out jib, and slowly eased further in front.
Two from two for the cherry today, however it doesn't matter, as our real series starts next Sunday at 11:30 in the morning.
Good fun was had by all, and we all hope for a much bigger fleet next weekend.
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