8.30 am Sunday Juniors :
Well with the Gold Coast marathon on and rain absolutely bucketing down early it was always going to be a bit quiet on the day but luckily the rain cleared a light wind came up and we had a reasonable size group sign on for the learner session. As it was only Declan and I on duty the small numbers suited and with a 4/6 knot s/e breeze it was perfect for a reach out the front . We had a couple of first timers again so Dec,o rigged up the club laser and set off with his crew of three , the conditions were just right for him to let everyone have a turn at steering and mainsheet . Unfortunately as the session went on it started to cloud over which definitely made it much colder but everyone stayed out but definitely didn’t want to capsize although Jack and Dean were seen swimming afterwards ? They have both taken to sailing alone and Jack is going ahead leaps and bounds while Deano needed a bit of prompting from dad before he joined the group and really did well listening to his Instructor and tacking around the marks with boat speed and even facing forward so well don e guys.
10.30 am Training:
Well all I can say is we must have worn everyone out at the midwinter cup or the overcast weather kept everyone away as we had no takers for this session and Declan got so bored he fell asleep in a chair while the rest of us just chatted and checked on line to see how Casey and Addy were doing so that was Training for the day.
1.30 pm Open Racing;
With Peter Board on deck as the usual suspects were either away on holidays or racing elsewhere and me as crew we set a course in the Soverign Channel as the winds were perfect for a windward leeward course with a breeze of around 12/15 knots S/E with the occassional extra puff everyone lined up well for a clean start with Greg and Pete leading the way and Ben right behind them . Pete , Ben and Greg broke away out front with as usual Greg and Pete having a good tussle and Ben a dogged third well that was until a sneeky gust on the top mark bearaway and leaning forward to release everything caused a high side crash and a slow recovery allowing Kate in a 4.7 to take over third which she didnt relinquish .
Roger picked the wrong sail ( radial ) for the conditions and really struggled towards the end especially in the bullets and was looking decidely worn out as he went through the finish . The final placings were Greg who’s new boat is really showing some speed then Peter fell and Kate brought up third and there is even a whisper that she might join the club as she is hungry for points which are always available after racing thanks to Rons work behind the scenes doing daily results so that everyone knows where the are for the year .
Upcoming :
Our last two major events at P.P.S.C. are our annual Try sailing Fundraising day and of course our Xmas party and we are also trying to organise a club maintenance day and also safety boat crewing day as well which will both take place on a Saturday .
First Aid : A first aid course will also be conducted soon through surf Lifesaving Queensland so if you are interested in either an upgrade or learning how to do first aid just let us know and we can add you to the course .
Opps almost forgot a special thanks to Declans mum for opening the canteen last Sunday as originally it was not opening as Casey was competing in Brisbane and helping Dec and I pack up at the end of the day.
GET WELL SOON EDDY !
CU on the water
John Murphy