It was always going to be too much to expect MAYHEM (Harry Dodson) to take our first day’s performance – 3 wins in 3 races – lying down. And so it proved. Days two and three (5 races) provided a great tussle with MAYHEM edging us on line and in IRC with GEORGIA however remaining dominant in PHRF. The final regatta result was that GEORGIA was declared SOUTH PACIFIC PHRF CHAMPION with MAYHEM second, MAYHEM became SOUTH PACIFIC IRC CHAMPION with GEORGIA second and MAYHEM won Line Honours with GEORGIA second (5-3).
The racing was always close. Boat speed differences between the two boats were not really discernible. Differences in outcome tended to be reflected in the fact that MAYHEM’s starts were more consistent – a particularly important element in the windward-leeward races which were raced over short 1 mile legs. The final race of the regatta exemplified this with GEORGIA over the line and having to turn back and start again. Given that, the fact that GEORGIA over an 11 mile course did find her way through the fleet to finish third one boat length behind TEMPTATION (Anatole Masfen) was a testament to GEORGIA’s improved boat speed and the skill of her sailors.
On each of the 3 days, it was necessary to wait for the sea breezes (at 7-10 knots). The hot days made the waiting uncomfortable. But this was compensated for by the exciting racing.
As always, the regatta was a lot of fun. We have an excellent crew, albeit supplemented for the event by some rock stars from whom much was learned. The new Doyle jibs proved to be winners and the switch of instruments to B and G provided greater reliability. There are pointers to some further changes and modifications that will be worthwhile and hopefully lead to further improved performance.
Crew for the regatta (in no particular order):
George Hendy
Jackie Hendy
Nick Nicholson
Andrew Cooke
Brad Butterworth
Chris Skinner
Stu Bannatyne
Stefano Nava
Warwick Fleury
Eric Haagh
Denis Kendall
Trent Cunningham
Terry Cookson
Jim Farmer
Daniel Fong
Next event (apart from Wednesday night racing) will likely be the Jack Tar Regatta in Auckland on 24-25 March 2018.
Jim Farmer
30 January 2018
