Somewhat protected behind the reefs and in the sun-drenched aquamarine waters off Mullaloo beach, the first races of the new season’s North Coast Series for yachts from HYC and ORSSC were held in a strong southerly breeze of 15 knots. The consistent breeze provided ideal conditions for two laps of the windward/leeward course set by the start management team on the Club boat Alibi and support team in the RIB, thank you.

Geoff James with Panache and Alan Peacham with Feelin Free were the only reps from ORSSC due to the inability to access ramps whilst development of the Ocean Reef Boat Harbour takes place, however some keen yachties crewed on other yachts and joined in celebrations afterwards at HYC.

With three yachts in each, divisions 1 and 3 started together in the first race. It was an interesting division one scenario for Mimosa (no spinnaker), Sophia (assy spinnaker) and Perle (symmetrical spinnaker) as they went their separate ways on the downwind legs, Sophia (Bruce Utting) proving to be fastest however on handicap it was Mimosa (Tony Brooke) first then Perle and Sophia. Race two began in similar fashion except Perle took the boat-end lane to windward (Mimosa was there in race 1) but was forced to tack away after a short distance. Sophia led the way again however with the adjustments to the handicaps after the first race, Perle won by 17 seconds from Sophia who was one second ahead of Mimosa.

Competing on the same course at the same time, the division three boats weren’t far behind, poling out their headsails to great effect downwind. In the first race Kind of Blue (Boyd Timler) was first with Intuition (Marc Carpenter) second and fastest and Catabatic (Rob Bills) in the third place. Again the racing produced close results with Kind of Blue just 13 seconds ahead of Intuition. In race two, Catabatic turned the tables on Intuition getting home by 51 seconds and first on handicap by 46 seconds with Kind of Blue third, 10 seconds further adrift.

Eight yachts (including the two from ORSSC) started in their own races for division two, five minutes behind divisions 1 & 3, and with spinnakers flying on the downwind legs, set off in hot pursuit. Covert Operation (Bart Brouwer) almost caught Kind of Blue on the finish line in the first race for fastest and third on handicap whilst Farrouk (Des and Gail Riley) had a 61 second win over Volant (Emille Janssen, John Ball, Frank Hagemann, Kevin Meta). In race two, Covert Operation was fastest again, however ORSSC took out first and second place with Panache and Feelin Free. Blue Chip (Keith and Deborah Fisk) was second fastest and third on handicap.

Using the whole-of-fleet, corrected time model to determine Club Champion, first in race 1 was Kind of Blue, followed by Mimosa and Intuition whilst in race two it was Panache, Feelin Free and Blue Chip.

Overall it was a great day of close racing in ideal conditions, idyllic location and superb handicapping so hopefully others will be inspired to join in the fun on November 24 for races 3 & 4 of the eight race series.

John Bird