20th February
Consistency Pays for D-Unit – Garde Sprint Series Champions
Adam Forbes and Richie Johns sailing D-Unit took out the 2011 Garde Sprint Series, from Garde (Brett Hobson & Alex Johnson), with Gemmell sails (Murray Press & Damien Vlotman) in 3rd.
D-Unit picked up a win in race 1, from Diploar Software who had a stellar race, and then backed it up with two 2nd places. This was enough to seal the deal by 1 point from Garde, who managed a 4th in race 1 and then two race wins.
A light East South East breeze drifted across Rose Bay with all skiffs electing to use their big rigs.
Guest skipper Ali Chapman on board Dimension Polyant (with crew Brad Yabsley) lead the fleet at the first mark in race 1 showing great speed up the first work, but unfortunately a misunderstanding of the sailing instructions caused them to drop out of a podium position.
Garde, LCC and D-Unit charged towards the gate mark, only just managing to squeeze through on a tight angle in a shifting breeze.
Some additional harbour traffic then caused chaos for this lead pack, LCC and Garde had a coming together whilst trying to avoid a ferry. The result saw both skiffs capsize. D-Unit scrapped through unscathed and went on to score and great win from Dipolar and Gemmell Sails.
The race saw other casualties, with both Geotherm and Hey Charger blowing out their spinnakers and forcing them to retire from the remaining races of the day.
Several other skiffs capsize endeavoring to pass through the gate and negotiating harbour traffic.
Dipolar Software picked up the handicap in race 1 from Abbotsford 12ft Flying Squadron boat Arrogant Frog (Peter and Steve Hill).
Race 2 was adjusted for the slight shift in breeze, and Garde got the better of the first work to lead at the windward mark. Their lead increased down the spinnaker run, but the action was all happening behind them.
LCC were looking good for a 2nd place, but had 4 boats snapping at their heels. D-unit made the best of it to pick up 2nd, Gemmell 3rd and fantastic finish for Vantage Real Estate picking up 4th place. This placed them 2nd on handicap for race 2 (Tied with www.skiff.org.au), behind Arrogant Frog.
Race 3 would be the final for the day, and it was LCC who came to the fore up the first work, rounding the top mark just ahead of Garde.
But again D-Unit fired down the spinnaker run and closed the gap to the lead pair by the Gate mark, all 3 skiff cross simultaneously.
By the bottom mark Garde got a jump from 2nd place, and extended her lead to the final windward mark rounding.
D-Unit pulled in front of LCC, and covered them downwind to finish 2nd, enough to win the series by 1 point.
Race handicap honours went to Cunning Stunts, with Arrogant Frog picking up another second place, meaning they had done enough to secure 1st overall.
Special thanks to all those that made the day possible, Woollahra race committee and shore management, ferry commentator Glen Farquar, drinks and food organizers Don and Julia and event sponsor Garde Services Pty Ltd.
Skiff-Ed