Crew: Jamie, Murray, Margot, Ryan, Geoff.
Forecast: Southerly 17-24 kts.
Jaimie and I cast off from Chaffers at 1038 hrs and motored round to Evans Bay. The conditions were a bit rough, especially when we encountered the southerly in Evans Bay. We wondered if the race was still on. The sun came out so that was nice.
Vice Commodore Jack announced on the WhatsApp group that the race was “ON”.
We tied up at the EB wharf where Murray and Margot joined us, as well as Ryan, who is new to sailing. The course was announced: Start – Round Somes (either way) – Finish. Race start at 1215 hrs. We rigged up our smallest jib, the no. 3, put a reef in the main, and cast off at 1150 hrs.
We had a great start, second over the line, just behind Sea Beagle who were already hoisting their gennaker.
Fairly soon we were overtaken by Usurper who were also flying their spinnaker. We had decided, conservatively, not to fly our kite on Halo. Tamerlane who had a bit more sail up than us, slowly pulled ahead. Thanks Bill for the photos.
We continued on a broad reach up the harbour doing around 7 kts and up to 8 kts at times. Saracen caught up with us and crossed our bow heading towards the eastern side of Somes. A large tanker, Forever Assurance, flanked by two tugs, crossed the harbour in front us.
As we neared the top of Somes we caught up with Tamerlane as we sailed into the wind shadow of Somes Island.
We couldn’t point as high as Tamerlane so had to tack away to head directly towards the island. In the calmer waters (but rather dirty after the recent storms) we actually made better speed.
After two more tacks we rounded Somes and were beating our way back to Evans Bay.
The wind was still in the low 20’s with rough seas as entered the bay, close behind Saracen.
Grenadier, pointing higher than Halo, caught up with us and we had to dip behind them as they yelled out “starboard”.
After tacking off the point south of Shelley Bay, we crossed the line at 1404 hrs. Ten seconds ahead of Grenadier! A great race.
We sailed back to Chaffers docking Halo at our berth at 1445 hrs. Hot drinks and Margot’s yummy baking was enjoyed before we drove round to the club for prizegiving: Halo came 5th on line and handicap, and 2nd on PHRF. Well done Sea Beagle who took out first place.
Halo Log Book 