The Good Grocer Frostbite Finals.
Once again the fleets dressed up for a Sunday run on a superb afternoon. In fact the weather was better than expected and a 10 to 15 knot breeze came in and wandered around between a sou easterly and a sou wester. Well that’s what they said it was.
The starters offered up a course two with a Martin – Weaver start and Division one had a challenging beginning with the breeze fluctuating in direction and several boats were seen laying over on the changeable gusts coming down the Canning. Fine sailing by all, but it took Div. one a bit of time to make the Martin/Weaver marks and get around with spinnakers already prepared for the run down to Sampson.
Sure enough, Div. two had the same luck and it was reported that a French built gentleman’s yacht showed her keel to the starters. Only a rumour of course. But they were a busy fleet and making the mark first was going to be the deciding factor. The mob from Division three; yes the same eight boats that have fought all winter, set out to get to the first mark and we were well in arrears. Un beknown to the skipper, the foredeck was set up for a port spinnaker and when he called for a poled out jib after Weaver, we threw up a kite and cleared out. But ahead of us, we watched the other two fleets disappear into the nether regions of the river on reaches.. follow us was their cry.
Closing up on Armstrong and readying for the tight reach to Bond, we watched as Div.2 crossed in front of us. Predictably a Cole 32 was attempting a spinnaker and we watched in anticipation to see what was to evolve. But we had another task.. get to Bond so the Cole was left behind us. The next task was to prepare for the run to Print and a starboard pole was set in waiting. But we had the pleasure of watching Div. One making their way down the breeze to Como, I guess and Peter Vlaar’s Farrago was pushing the Polka Princess for the lead.
It appears that some of the boats had problems with overmanning and were heard to be throwing crew off the boat. The radio chatter had one off the boat around Como and when I spoke to a Foundation skipper he didn’t confirm or deny. Go figure. But the Cole 32 that sounds like a Cricket stroke was having problems. We’ve mentioned that they like to carry a kite everywhere, but this time the foredeck had the last laugh. The fabulous Red and White spinnaker is no more, with shreds being hauled back onto the boat as we farewelled them, heading off up to Dolphin East for the final rounding and a return via Como to the finish.
A brief comment. We all know Bruce Uren and his little yellow SS22. He’s been back of the fleet all winter and I can only praise him for his patience. He has taken on a pair of new chums and is teaching them to sail. Well done sir!
To the results on the day.
Div. One Over the line. Farrago, Problem Child and Wicked ( without Richard Evans – get better Richie)
On Handicap. K – Factor, Mistress Quickly and Naughty Black Shorts.
Div. Two Over the line. Jindarra, Sidewalk Café and Fair Game
On handicap. Igawa, Fair Game and King Canute
Div. Three Over the line. Swiftsure Saga, Hellas and Wynella.
On handicap. Swiftsure Saga, Wynella and Hellas.
The final results, for the Good Grocer frostbites.
Div. One. Problem Child, Wicked and K Factor
Div. Two. King Canute, Sidewalk Café and Fair Game (with a nod to Peter Were {Cover Drive} on the same numbers)
Div. Three. Swiftsure Saga, Hellas and Commotion.
Many thanks to Greg Brindle for his continuing support of the Frostbite series.
Rick Steuart
