Have you registered to compete in the 2009 Fremantle Sailing Club Inshore Winter Series?
We are again anticipating a large fleet and you can expect to see some very competitive racing on the waters off Fremantle Sailing Club.
Entries are welcome from members at other Clubs and have in the past included entrants from Koombana Bay, Dunsborough, Hillarys, Mandurah and the various River Clubs. If required berths or hardstand may be available.
(Please note this is subject to availability. Allocations occur two weeks prior to the first Inshore Race and following that berths may not be available. Please contact the Sailing Administrator to discuss via email to activities@fsc.com.au).
The series is open to entrants in the following divisions:
| Division 1 |
Spinnaker |
IRC Handicap |
PHS Handicap |
| Division 2 |
Spinnaker |
IRC Handicap |
PHS Handicap |
| Division 3 |
Jib & Main |
PHS Handicap |
|
The series will be conducted over three months and commences on Saturday 23 May 2009. The dates are:
| Saturday 23 May 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 1 |
| Saturday 6 June 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 2 |
| Saturday 20 June 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 3 |
| Saturday 4 July 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 4 |
| Saturday 18 July 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 5 |
| Saturday 1 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 6 |
| Saturday 15 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 7 |
| Saturday 22 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Resail (If Required) |
| Saturday 29 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 8 |
| Sunday 13 September 2009 |
1200hrs |
Inshore Winter Series Presentation Lunch |
Please complete the relevant documents and return together with your entry fee of $120.00 to:
The Sailing Administrator
Fremantle Sailing Club
PO Box 860
FREMANTLE WA 6959
Have you registered to compete in the 2009 Fremantle Sailing Club Inshore Winter Series?
We are again anticipating a large fleet and you can expect to see some very competitive racing on the waters off Fremantle Sailing Club.
Entries are welcome from members at other Clubs and have in the past included entrants from Koombana Bay, Dunsborough, Hillarys, Mandurah and the various River Clubs. If required berths or hardstand may be available.
(Please note that this is subject to availability. Allocations occur two weeks prior to the first Inshore Race and following that places may not be available. Please contact the Sailing Administrator to discuss via email to activities@fsc.com.au).
The series is open to entrants in the following divisions:
| Division 1 |
Spinnaker |
IRC Handicap |
PHS Handicap |
| Division 2 |
Spinnaker |
IRC Handicap |
PHS Handicap |
| Division 3 |
Jib & Main |
PHS Handicap |
|
The series will be conducted over three months and commences on Saturday 23 May 2009. The dates are:
| Saturday 23 May 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 1 |
| Saturday 6 June 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 2 |
| Saturday 20 June 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 3 |
| Saturday 4 July 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 4 |
| Saturday 18 July 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 5 |
| Saturday 1 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 6 |
| Saturday 15 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 7 |
| Saturday 22 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Resail (If Required) |
| Saturday 29 August 2009 |
1345hrs |
Race 8 |
Sunday 13 September 2009
|
1200hrs
|
Inshore Winter Series
Presentation Lunch |
Please complete the relevant documents and return together with your entry fee of $120.00 to:
The Sailing Administrator
Fremantle Sailing Club
PO Box 860
FREMANTLE WA 6959
Documents (Please allow a few minutes for items to download):
For further information please contact the Sailing Administrator on
(08) 9435 8809 or email: activities@fsc.com.au
So don’t put it off any longer get your entry in today.
NOTICE TO SKIPPERS
Due to a Strong Wind Warning having been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology the decision has been made by the Race Committee that today’s race is cancelled.
The next race is the Resail Race on Saturday 22 August 2009 at 13:45.
Colin McDougall
RACE OFFICER
Issued 15 August 2009 at 12:10pm
RACE 4 SATURDAY 4 JULY
After two weeks of not being able to sail, the fleet was itching to get out on the water. With only light winds forecast for the day it was fantastic to see 49 yachts heading out for the start. Some yachts chose to leave the harbour earlier than normal and "buzz" the visiting US Aircraft Carrier prior to the start - you'd think they'd never seen a ship before or perhaps it was the dreams of one day having a bigger boat that urged them on.
The fleet with the US Aircraft Carrier in the background. Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
As the fleet sat idlely awaiting the Race Control Team to start the race, Optimus Prime was spotted exiting the harbour under sail power. With only five minutes until their warning signal they looked set to miss the start. However lady luck was on their side, the frantic efforts of the crew to get the engine started finally paid off but would they be able to make it?
Fortunately for them there was a significant wind shift at the start line, the Race Control Team raised the AP Flag and had to up anchor and reset themselves - giving Optimus Prime enough time to make the start and catch their breath.
Division 1 and there were twenty-four (24) starters including the newcomer Boat 10, a Foundation 36 skippered by Brett Lawrence. As the gun went off to signal the start, it was a close call as the eager fleet was suffering from withdrawals and were anxious to get away. Exhil-R-8 was over zealous and got herself tangled up in the Division 1 start near the pin-end. Quick thinking by her skipper Les Thomas saw her quickly duck back and join her fleet without casuing any problems to Division 1.
The newly re-rated Southern Star had a dream start, getting out early and setting the pace they'd be pushing the boundaries today to see if their improvements had been successful. Charlotte was the first of the fleet to head out to open waters but as she turned so to did Optimus Prime vowing to keep her close.
At the first mark and to everyone's surprise it was Boat 10 out in front.... able to "go where no Marten 49 has gone before" she sailed over all the shallow spots to take the early lead. But alas this wasn't to be as once the spinnakers were hoisted she didn't stand a chance against the bigger yachts. Full credit should be given to the skipper and crew for sailing a great race and finishing just behind the large keelboats in their first race at Fremantle.
Boat 10 - Brett Lawrence Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
As the fleet rounded "B" mark on their way to "E" it was Optimus Prime followed closely by Charlotte, Syrenka, Southern Star and the Foundation 36, Boat 10. Lady luck must've gone to sleep at "E" as Optimus Prime got into trouble. As if the shallow waters were not enough to contend with a thoughtless fisherman had tied his Octopus Pots to the mark. Sadly for Optimus Prime she snagged the line and came to an abrupt halt, Charlotte found the only gap and deep waters to duck between the mark and Optimus Prime to take the lead. Syrenka too was able to sail past Optimus Prime before she'd untangled herself from the ropes. A quick thinking crew, one of the boys had dived overboard to retrieve the rope from the keel, bringing it to the surface for other crew members to sever the cord freeing them from the weight which had anchored them to "E". A great display of comraderie and teamwork saw the crew member quickly hoisted aboard and the chase to close the gap between the leaders begin.
Division 2 and again it was an anxious wait to see if the all clear was given. With Exhil-R-8 having already practiced starting she was nicely warmed up for her own start but it was the Diamonds which showed everyone how it should be done with both Top Shelf and Wild Thing taking the early lead.
The Diamonds seemed to love the light air as they quickly caught the Division 1 Fleet and rounded the first mark amidst the larger and faster boats. Wild Thing first, followed by George Carter in Eufarria and then Top Shelf. As the sea of spinnakers began to make their way from "S" to "N" to "B" it was an amazing procession of colour and one I'm sure would've made the sailors onboard the US Aircraft Carrier jealous.
Top Shelf - Ian Joel Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
The final result would be determined by who could pick the right windshift in the ever changing conditions. But it was to be the smaller lighter boats which would take the line honours for the first six places. Ian Joel in Top Shelf sailed a great race to take second place on PBH, and now that his Diamond had been IRC Rated he managed to hold onto first place for his inaugrual IRC win. He'll be one to watch in both results in the future.
Division 3 (JaM) and the whole fleet ventured out for the start and an enjoyable race. Plus 16 had a truly amazing start getting the jump on the rest of the fleet and taking a very large early lead. Closely followed by Kayden and Basanti.
Plus 16 - John Holder Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
By the time this division reached "S", Plus 16 had a commanding lead and was going to be difficult to catch. They had rounded with the back end of the Division 1 fleet and the front of the Division 2 and the gap was increasing. Next to round the first mark were Tim Johnston's Naomi and then further back was the S&S34 Morning Tide. And from this point until they finished the first three places remained unchanged.
The next race is on Saturday 18 July, following the announcement of results all skippers and crew are invited to join us for the Inshore AGM and help shape the future of sailing at FSC.
For Today's Full Results: Click Here
NOTICE TO SKIPPERS
Due to a Strong Wind Warning having been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and the impending forecast of increasing winds the decision has been made by the Race Committee that today’s race will be abandoned. The race will now be resailed on Saturday 22 August 2009 at 13:45.
Colin McDougall
RACE OFFICER
Issued 20 June 2009 at 11:10am
RACE 3 SATURDAY 20 JUNE
Just a quick update on this weekend's Inshore Race.... and yes, we've seen the forecast.
Five things to remember:
A decision by the Race Control Team will NOT be made before 12:00pm on the day of the race.
It is up to each individual skipper to decide if they wish to race in the forecast conditions. No one will think any less of you if you decide not to risk damaging your boat or injuring your crew in 25+ knots of wind.
This is a Category 6 event so when the Race Control Team makes a decision it will be with this in mind.
The Race Control Team may decide that PFD's are required and will advise this as per RRS 27.1 & 40.1 of the Blue Book. Please make sure you have them on board as failure to wear them may see you disqualified.
Read Rule 4 of the FSC Sailing Instructions!!
Once a decision has been made on Saturday regarding postponing or abandoning the race we will post the outcome on the Club Website and on FreoDoctor.com.
That said, we will do our best to provide you with the hair-raising sailing that we know you all love!!
RACE 2 SATURDAY 6 JUNE
What a spectacular sight from the Start Boat, a seemingly never-ending procession of yachts making their way out for the second Inshore Winter Series Race. 48 Yachts over three divisions, a new record and numbers we haven’t seen for over ten years!
The Fleet heading towards "R" on the first spinnaker run. Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
As the 21 yachts in Division 1 made their way into starting formation, the crew on Optimus Prime could be heard shouting to the newly painted Syrenka, “Stay Away!” but it was all in good fun. Charlotte took the early lead and headed further out to sea with Mr Walker nipping at their heels. The remainder of the fleet was left with the dilemma of heading south or west in search of the breeze, and fortunately for those who headed out to sea the decision paid off.
Coming in for the spinnaker drop at “R”, Southern Star was faced with a mutiny as the crew didn’t want to lower the spinnaker. After almost coming to a complete stop, the spinnaker was lowered but not without losing valuable minutes. Aquila looked very sleek in the water as she headed into “R” in fifth position behind the Marten 49’s, Southern Star and Syrenka. The trimarans struggled in the light air and were unable to close the gap or put the pressure on the larger yachts, relegating them to a middle order finish.
Optimus Prime must’ve forgotten to look at the “Amendments” for today’s race as she came to a sudden stop on her way towards “S” mark costing her valuable time. Seems she had a minor collision with “Charlotte’s Reef”.
Charlotte crew member, Brenton Edwards, preparing for a spinnaker drop. Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
Division 2 and the fleet size had doubled, another 21 yachts making their way towards the start line. Unfortunately for this fleet the breeze dissipated and the fleet was left floundering and in search of the slightest puff of wind to get them over the line.
Newcomer to the Series, Wild Thing had an excellent race, with MX and Exhil-R-8 giving chase but unable to catch her. The Division 2 Fleet has seen a significant increase in numbers with the arrival of several newcomers including Protocol Investigations, True South, Desire, Double Vision and Aussie Magic. It will be interesting to see how the increase in numbers affects the results over the coming weeks.
Division 3 and all six entrants took to the water for their Jib and Main race. All eyes were on Polaris to see if she could maintain her form from the Summer Series. Plus 16 was spotted by the Start Team frantically motoring out hoping to make it. After a brief tangle with the Division 2 yachts, she realised she hadn’t missed her start at all and quickly joined her fleet for the starting sequence.
Basanti looked like she had headed out early before the start of the race for an on-water picnic – perfect weather for it! Despite a great start and a good lead she was unable to hold the fleet off for a podium finish.
Polaris showed she hasn’t lost any of her form from the Summer finishing in third place behind Djinn. This is an interesting fleet to watch and depending on the weather we may see the lead change a few times before the end of the series.
The next race is on Saturday 20 June and if you haven’t registered it’s not too late. Entry Forms are available online.
Remember, if you intend to compete for the IRC Trophy within your division then your IRC Rating must be revalidated before the next race. You should have received your renewal books by now. Please be advised that there is a delay in processing the applications so your prompt attention to this matter would be appreciated. Eligibility for the IRC Trophies is dependent upon a current IRC Rating.
The newly painted Syrenka looked impressive in her first race for the winter. Photo by Vanessa Cornwall
RACE 1 SATURDAY 23 MAY
The forecast yesterday looked bleak 25 knots and a large 4m swell. There were many calls for the Race Control team to cancel today’s race early but they insisted on not making a decision until 12:00pm – a decision which paid off.
The wind had dropped to under 22 knots and although the swell was still high it was perfect weather for the first of the Inshore Winter Series races for 2009. And those that dared to venture out were delighted!
Charlotte set the pace early for the Division 1 Fleet and proved impossible to catch – even for the trimaran Trinity which excelled in these conditions. The X Factor showed they hadn’t lost their touch since last season despite a minor issue with their kite on the first run they won Division 1 IRC. Mr Walker who made the switch from Division 2 to Division 1 for the series this year, proved to everyone that she is a definite contender. Keeping pace with The Longboat, Adrenalin Rush and Circa, she’ll be one to watch this winter.
Like Charlotte, Top Shelf led the way for the Division 2 Fleet but their strong lead proved to be too much and they were able to hold on for the win. The remainder of the fleet was evenly matched with close tussles between Innovator, Eufarria, Panache II and Pipedream II. With the IRC yachts staying away today it will be interesting to see the results of this fleet after the next race.
Division 3 (JaM) saw four of the six yachts make it out to the start line. Unfortunately for Basanti they suffered equipment failure before the start and rather than a quick repair job they chose to return to the safety of their pen. Kayden venturing out for the winter for the first time did well considering they were short of crew. Sailing double-handed they completed over half the course before deciding it was all too much - a tremendous effort in such trying conditions. Polaris continued her winning form after a successful summer campaign to take first place over newcomer Naomi.
