Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Combined Clubs Harbour Pennant at Derwent Sailing Squadron - Races 5 & 6

by Liz Rountree 19 Feb 2024 06:02 UTC 17 February 2024
Combined Clubs Harbour Pennant Race 4: Tight racing for the start of Division 1's short course racing © Colleen Darcey

Another 'Perfect' day on the water

How was the racing? "Oh, you know, we went around some cans, we broke a few things... including our spirits," reports Arunga bowman Charlie Donnelly. But beyond they dry and the deadpan he continues, "It really was a beautiful day, can't complain!"

The clear skies and building sea breeze conditions made tight competitive racing across all divisions, finally delivering on the promise of Windward-Return racing for Division 1.

Just eyeing the results and the conditions gives the impression of a picture-perfect day, but it was anything but.

"We were under a lot of pressure for the first start," says Michelle Boutchard of Young Magic, winner of the day accross the board in Division 1.

Co-owner Paul Boutchard adds, "We went out as we always do for a bit of a sail around and a practice - and trying for the first time to launch the spinnaker out of the hatch.

Then about 25 minutes to go the jib halyard snapped - and we only have 2 halyards, one for the jib and one for the kite." It was very nearly close to day-over for the team before it even began.

"Fortunately, we had Tom Stearnes on the boat," Paul continues, "We hoisted him up the mast and we end-for-ended it and were able to pull it through.

If he hadn't been on the boat, we would have been in all sorts of pickles!"

Michelle adds, "In the second pre-start we were busy swapping the light air heady for the number 3. We could see the breeze building on our final leg into the finish of the first race, so we were busy again before the start."

"Homework this week," Paul chimes in, "We'll be running a backup halyard through!"

Michelle attributes their success to the "exemplary crew work" on board. Joint Custody, Heatwave Fish Frenzy, Hooligan and Guilty Pleasures VI all shined, with Intrigue winning one race and a solid 3rd in the other.

Jazz Player decided they weren't giong to be upstaged by Young Magic's drama and decided to lose a crew member overboard in the second race. Skipper Brent McKay admits "there was a bit of a debate" about going back, but ultimately the team decided to pick him up out of the water. Crewmember Lachie was awarded a 6-pack for his swimming efforts.

In Division 2, Andrew Crisp's Etchell Bandwagon nabbed another ORC win. "Credit due to Derrick Adams who was 'in the engine room'" Crisp laughs, "You know, on the main."

Adams, a 12-footer legend, is also known for racing Bronzewing, the oldest yacht still raced in Australia. Built in Launceston out of Huon Pine, she launched in 1895 and still struts her stuff in the weekly twilights. If you're out, look for sail number 13.

In a dramatic finish, Division 2 series leader IYKYK's hot pink kite went from flying to flogging 5 mins from the finish line as Xcite barreled down on them. IYKYK was forced to sail under the heady, while Xcite flew past for the Line Honours win. Luckily for IYKYK they managed to finish in time for 2nd to Xcite's 3rd on ORC as well as the IRC win.

Arunga and Wings Three were not far behind, for a tight race, with Peter Haros and his wings finishing just in time to edge out Arunga for 2nd on IRC.

Charles Peacock and his team aboard Serica had another top performance to win Div 2 PHS.

Div 3 had its fullest fleet of the season with very tight racing, until Miss Conduct won outright with a solid 10-minute lead, followed by Serenity and Innovator.

"The race went like clockwork," says Rob MacDonald aboard Neville Georgeson's Hornet. "It was beautiful breeze, and everyone enjoyed themselves."

Blown sheets, man-overbaords, exploding halyards and all, it truly was a perfect day out.

Stay tuned for the last race of the series on Saturday the 23rd of March.

Current Results:

Combined Clubs Hosts: Bellerive Yacht Club * Derwent Sailing Squadron * Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania

Related Articles

Fishing: Patterning brown bass
Post-spawn through summer smallies Whitewater Fishing B.A.S.S. tournament pro, Alex Redwine, talks fishing the transition period Posted on 26 Jun
2025 Bahamas Fly-fishing Tournament Series
Anglers to compete across some of The Bahamas' top bonefishing spots The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announced the launch of Bonefishing Tournament Series that will showcase diverse pristine flats across four islands - Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and the championship round will be held in Exuma Posted on 20 Jun
Mote leads seagrass restoration initiative
Florida legislature establishes the Seagrass Restoration Technology Development Initiative Seagrasses play a crucial role in the health and resilience of Florida's coastal ecosystems. They provide nursery habitats for keystone species and stabilize shorelines and sediments. Posted on 20 Jun
Maritimo M50 Flybridge & S60 Sedan Video
We speak to Maritimo's Neil McCabe & Phil Candler We talked to Neil McCabe, Maritimo's Design Office Manager, and Phil Candler, Maritimo's General Manager Operations, to find out more about the M50 Flybridge and S60 Sedan during the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Posted on 17 Jun
“I'm living my dad's dream”
Carl made sure to provide young Kyle the chance to be a seasoned pond hopper Carl Cortiana is about to turn 70, but he still remembers the days four decades ago when he'd cast a practice plug across the living room floor and his toddler son, Kyle, now a highly accomplished Vexus pro on the MLF Toyota Series. Posted on 14 Jun
Stories From The Salt - Ep.6
Insights from PENN's top anglers Whether you're a passionate saltwater angler who eagerly dedicates every spare moment to being out on the water, or you simply enjoy watching the techniques and experiences of others, we invite you to anchor up and learn some valuable insights Posted on 14 Jun
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch Episode Six
Episode Six is now live - Are boat shows still relevant? Episode Six - asks the question, 'Are boat shows still Relevant?' We also offer some thoughts on changes and updates. The final episode of Series One is now live Posted on 13 Jun
Scania, Viking showcase renewable diesel
Mack Attack shows outstanding efficiency without compromise in performance of Scania V8 Engines Scania, one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines, announced today the successful demonstration of the performance and viability of renewable marine diesel fuel in a Viking 48 Convertible powered by twin Scania 1,150 HP DI16-liter V8 engines. Posted on 10 Jun
Sportfishing industry applauds decision by NOAA
Elimination of proposed South Atlantic bottomfishing closure The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries withdrew the proposed bottomfishing closure from Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. Posted on 10 Jun
Marine Auctions: June online auctions
Bidding to open on Friday 20th June The Bidding for the June Online Auction will commence on Thursday 20th June and will end on Thursday 26th June at 2pm AEST. Posted on 7 Jun
Maritimo M50Palm Beach Motor Yachts