Sunday 21st September marked the opening of the Summer Series 2008-2009 with the first race of the Grant Thornton Short Haul Pointscore Series, the 13th Monica Geddes Memorial Trophy – Sydney Harbour Islands Race.
In picture perfect spring conditions and 8-10 knots of nor’east breeze, a fleet of 39 yachts sailing in four divisions started the race. During the downward leg of the course towards Goat Island, yachts experienced a drop in the breeze, which then freshened for the return home.
The winner of the PHS non-spinnaker division, and hence the winner of the Monica Geddes Memorial Trophy was Privateer, owned by Bill Mirow. “It was a great race for us – we didn’t realise how well we had sailed until we saw the results. We had a full crew on board who know the boat and have sailed together for a number of years. It was nice to finish with a win – Not bad for a bunch of old blokes – especially after we had a little mishap with our sailing instructions (they went for a swim and had to be rescued before they sunk)!, said Bill. Privateer previously won the event in 2006.
Other place getters in the Short Haul PHS Division included Zephyr (Alex Brandon and James Connell) second and Paul O’Connell’s Katinka third.
The Short brothers – Andrew & Matthew – played out their brotherly rivalary on the water. Andrew notched up the win over Matthew in the IRC Spinnaker Division– but Matthew is determined that it will be his turn next time round!
“The sledging started early – Andrew got the jump on us at the start line and we were chasing him around the course all day! We won’t be letting that happen again!” said Matthew Short in third place on Shortwave.
“It was outstanding to sail in these fairytale conditions. It was just stunning to sail under the bridge and around all the Islands in Sydney Harbour!”, added Matthew. “Our crew was mainly family today, with Kylie having completed the half marathon in the morning and then joining us for the race. The boat performed beautifully having sailed on Saturday at Royal Motor Yacht Club.”
For the crew on board Occasional Coarse Language it was great to be back sailing! “As the warning signal went, and the timer started on the boat and adrenaline started to rush as Woz manoeuvred OCL into a great starting spot on the line, right in the centre and bang on the line as the start gun went. Only problem was we were directly in dirty breeze line of Panther and could not get any speed up, with no room to tack away for clean air. Not good in an 8-10 kt nor’easter with the competition streaking off up the harbour away from us!” said Sarah Goddard Jones.
“A pleasant light air beat up to Sow & Pigs saw the fleet separating into those that favoured the East side and those that favoured the West, with ultimately the East side paying off as the breeze remained lighter in the Western channel. We had clawed back a few spots as we rounded Sow & Pigs, but were struggling to set the new main. We cracked out the new kite in an elegant bear away set, and headed for Shark Island and the rest of our competition!” continued Sarah.
A tussle with Upper Northshore ensued for most of the afternoon. A final hard hike to the line and OCL crossed about mid fleet, well ahead of Upper Northshore, but out the door on handicap. No one minded – it had been a lovely shakedown sail and there were some cold beers and champagne in the fridge!” concluded Sarah.
Final Placings were:
Short Haul PHS Division
1st – Privateer (Bill Mirow)
2nd – Zephyr (Alex Brandon & James Connell)
3rd – Katinka (Paul O’Connell)
Short Haul IRC Division
1st – Zephyr (Alex Brandon & James Connell)
2nd – Vivacite (John Walton)
3rd – Great Xpectations (Rod Wills)
PHS Spinnaker Division
1st – Outlaw (Alan & Tom Quick)
2nd – Jordans Fast Company (R Gudderjahn & C Leddon)
3rd – Superfine (George Waldthausen)
IRC Spinnaker Division
1st – Shockwave Club Marine (Andrew Short)
2nd – Upper North Shore (A Holt & M Spies)
3rd – Shortwave (Matthew Short)
