Contender Class Sailing

Photo: Celebrating my two wins yesterday with a couple Bundy and Cokes

Yesterday we had heat 3 and 4 of the RFBYC Winter Series.

Warning: This post is largely about my first WINs in the Contender Class!

Wind: 1-4 knots
Start time: 10am
Date: 26th June 2011

Race 1…

1. Me
2. Casso

Race 2…

1. Me
2. Casso

Comments…

• Race 1: Casso had an early lead at the top mark for the first time – courtesy of him picking the favoured side of the course (the Claremont shore). The entire fleet of Lasers, Mirrors, 29ers, 49ers, 505′s and Flying Ants (and Casso) did the typical thing at the top mark by rounding it and heading directly towards the bottom mark – the issue here was that there was no wind running down the middle of the course (I had certainly witnessed that first hand having just sailed it upwind). I instead rounded the top mark and immediately gybed and hugged the Claremont shore where I proceeded to be the only boat consistently moving. I was fortunate enough to round the bottom mark ahead of the entire pack which Casso was caught behind. I had clear wind for the next leg while Casso had to battle for half decent wind. The wind shifted directions in my favour to make the rest of the race “follow the leader”. My first win was in the bag!
• Race 2: The second race was another drifted but started in about 4 knots of breeze and then died away to nearly nothing (maybe 1 knot). I had a good start at the pin (favoured end) by coming in on port and picking a gap to tack into. It was my turn to pick the favoured side of the beat this time and at the top mark I had a good 100m lead on Casso. The breeze died down to next to nothing for the run and I feel as though I am starting to understand how to sail the Contender in a drifter downwind – healed to leeward, weight forward and on a broad reach angle… just keep the boat moving and gybe at 90 degree angle. Much to my surprise I extended my lead by the bottom mark and comfortably covered Casso to the shortened course finish line at the top mark. Win two in the bag.
• Where were Richard and Ross? I am guessing Richard looked out the window and then down at the scales and thought it would be time better spent surfing or watching the Eagles thrash Carlton. Ross was likely out cycling, tinkering on a J24 somewhere, or at home bitching about his DoDo Internet connection.
• Where was my new boat? Unfortunately my boat was just 3% away from being finished for the weekend. Casso let me know on Sunday that it has just reached pubity and had its first erection (mast up that is). We are now just waiting on the rudder being finished, fit the centreboard and pack the casing, weight the boat and stick on the boat plaque!

• Ross’s comments: Ha Ha Well done Clay but humble not. Yes I was off in theSwanValleydoing 80 km at 32 kmh to get my body in form for the sailing season. Even if I planned to sail your silly new boat is obviously holding up my mast rebuild (I am holding up the rest of the maintenance my boat could do with). My internet connection seems to be fine these days, thanks. Now just my PC approaching its 5th birthday that seems to be doing strange things occasionally.
• Richard’s comments: Your more or less correct – I was at a boozy lunch and looked out the window at 1.15 and opted to open another bottle. I did eventually role up at 4.00 and wobbled up the stairs of the starting box to witness a very fast blue boat leading the pack; so I can verify that you speak the truth. I was wondering where you were off to on that last run / reach as you looked to be heading off to Melville water sailing the same angles as the 29er and the same speed too. Very fast boats those dinghy sports in the right hands – congratulations.