State Championships and Interclub Races 2007-08
Brisbane Waters Championship - 17th February 2008
The rain looked to have settled in for the day, 30min before the scheduled start of the Brisbane Water championship. The crews reluctantly put in their big rigs before the race was postponed till 3.10, when the rain began to clear and some breeze looked inevitable. The first few boats that hit the water paddled to the start line, but by the time the last skiffs left the beach, a steady 10-15knot south-easter was rolling in.
Dipolar Software got the best of the starts to lead the fleet at the first turn. Garde got the worst of it and was seen on her side when the gun went.
Dipolar Software's lead was short lived as they swam early on the tight kite ride to the wing mark. At Call Powered by Bainbridge International step up to a comfortable lead and held on for a lap and a bit from Space Junk and Thistle Hill Wines.
Some skillful sailing from the Space Junk crew saw them reel in At Call and pop out in front at the top mark the 3rd time, with Thistle Hill a mer few seconds behind. The Garde crew, sporting a new main sail, had made there way thru the fleet and pulled into 4th spot, closing the gap to the front pack quickly.
It was anyone's race up the last full length work. Still holding a lead out front, Space Junk had to fend off attacks from all sides of the course, with At Call, Thistle Hill and Garde all charging, but still managed a slender leading rounding the top mark for the last time.
There was nothing in it around the last turn, all 4 skiffs trying to round the mark at the same time. The Thistle Hill crew were questioned as to there rights charging into the bottom mark on port, but they managed to lead for a few seconds once around.
They were forced to tack early and duck behind Garde, who had creped above them and Space Junk after the mark rounding.
As the crews made their way to the finish line situated half way up the work, At Call tacked off to the right early with Thistle Hill, leaving Garde and Space Junk heading to the left side.
It was the left side that paid, Garde coming home with the win a few seconds ahead of Space Junk. At Call pipped Thistle Hill right on the line for 3rd.
What began as a very painful looking day of racing turned out to be very enjoyable for all skiffs. The racing was close with many lead changes, and a nail biting finish.
Thanks to all at Saratoga Sailing Club for hosting the 12's.
Skiff-Ed