What. A. Day.
It began with a steady 12knots of breeze and a lumpy sea state, but that didn’t dissuade the juniors. Out they went in what was the best conditions of the day, putting everything together to show off some epic talent. The biggest moment of the day went to Eric Beeson, who flipped his boat, went full turtle and stayed cool and calm while trapped underneath, swam out, got in and kept sailing. What a superstar. Then when his sail tore, it didn’t stop him – he just sat there, chillin’ like a villian, until help arrived. What a legend.
But a big congrats to all our juniors on completing their course either for the first time or a second time through – Patrick Diamond, Matt Hakopian, Erik Beeson, Mark Purcell, Mia Purcell, Jo Riley, Naomi Butera, plus a few ring-ins with Henry and Archie Balmain.

Then after lunch it was a briefing and lining up in the correct order so people knew where to start. And onto the water we went!
First through the gate at 2pm went Ross Kilborn (RS Aero) and Mark Purcell (O’Pen Skiff). After that for the next 40 minutes all you could hear were renditions of people asking “What’s the time, Mrs. Wolf?” of our resident P.R.O. Kylie Balmain. And the responses came back like an echo over the water, “Not yet! Keep waiting!” So wait we did.

As the race continued, those of us who started later (as late as 2.40pm!) watched the leaders sail around the course and create what seemed like an insurmountable lead. How the Hell were we going to make up that much distance? But then, while we waited, a 20degree wind change came across the course, making the first leg much easier for later starters. No objections here!

The race continued, and for those who started in the middle of the pack they fought both to make up ground and to not make any mistakes, as those behind would capitise. This really was a race for everyone, where everyone had an equal chance of winning, no matter your yardstick or boat.

At one point, 5 catamarans were level pegging with each other on a reach, playing their own game of ‘who gets the wind first’, while in the monos John Mather held everyone at bay for a solid 80percent of the race. And for those behind as they approached and finally caught site of the leaders, Kylie Balmain on the rescue boat started hovering. And we all had only one thought on our mind – how much time do we have left, and is Kylie’s finger over the button, ready to push it? Dammit, I better find some extra speed somewhere.

With only moments to go, John rounded a mark wide, allowing Gary Purcell to slip through and cut in front, taking the lead. Garry Reeves on his Hobie 16 somehow managed to keep his head while all others were losing theirs in their efforts to catch up. And then, tick, tick, tick…BOOM! The race was over.

And the final result? Apparently you could only win if you had a rhyme in your boat.

Monohulls: Gary and Matt
Cats: Garry and Pat.

Yep, that’s right. The Gary’s had it on the day. But more importantly, the crews for the Gary’s were juniors, both of whom had just completed (and won!) their first race. Really, sailing doesn’t get any better – you could pretty much retire now.

This was the real benefit of doing the Sternchaser on Handicap – anybody could win. It wasn’t about who had the fastest boat, or the most experience. All you had to do was turn up on the day and put your boat on the water, and you had as much chance as any of us.

I’ve heard from a few people that they absolutely loved the event, and would actually like to see this happen a few times next season. Thank you for the feedback, we’ll take it on board, and while it will certainly be back we will also keep the handicap version.

Oh, and one final thing. There were 20 boats competing – the biggest fleet that Rosebud has had for years. It was epic to see you all out there, and I look forward to seeing you all out there again. Boats are made to be sailed!

Email

info.rosebudyachtclub@gmail.com