First race of the season at Cramond Boat Club
by Angus Forsyth 15 Apr 2002 04:25 NZST
Racing started at Cramond Boat Club on an uninviting dull Wednesday only 4 days after crane in. The sailing sec had removed the planned cruiser race from the published programme as it was too soon for everyone to get their boats set up and suitably provisioned. Fortunately he had forgotten to remove the dinghy race as we had one of the best single-fleet races for years.
Six toppers took to the water and sailed a short race in light winds. The experience of John Wilson showed at the start as he was lined up for a flyer only to be eased the wrong side of the start mark by Dan Jibb. Angus Forsyth was well placed to take advantage and headed the fleet up to the first mark. Soon the winter race training and light weight of Calum Calder paid dividends as he pulled out a commanding lead by the gybe mark. Unfortunately, hitting the mark and rounding the wrong side cost him dearly. A similar error by Forsyth at the final mark in tidal flow and fading wind allowed Stuart Pringle to take the lead. Pringle and Calder battled the last leg showing their knowledge of the racing rules both practically and verbally. Calder finally took line honours by half a topper length and started Cramond racing off to a promising season.
Looks like some of us old-timers will have to learn the rules properly and the sailing secretary will have to get a pile of protest forms ready!
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