Gilmer Cup Race Series at Shearwater Sailing Club
by Sherilyn Elmes 25 Apr 2015 23:36 NZST
19 April 2015
After a chilly start, fights with roof bars and flat tyres our group of racers loaded up and headed to our friendly local rivals Shearwater Sailing Club for the first of this year's Gilmer Cup Race series, we fielded a variety dinghies and were joined by new recruits, juniors and seasoned sailors, the chilly start gave way to some bright sunshine and decent wind, although as often the case at Shearwater the wind was swirly and unpredictable at times.
A team chat before Race 1 and we were ready to take to the water, the start line was very busy but Jon sailing in the Rooster 8.1 made a good getaway and led the pack for part of the race, sadly the conditions in Race 1 didn't favour the Rooster and despite being quick on the water it's high handicap put Jon further down the field and at the end of the Race 1, our top placed results were:
2) Dave E (Comet Uno)
8) Rob C (Lightning)
9) Simon C (Lightning)
After a very tasty lunch provided by Shearwater it was back to the water for Race 2, sadly the sun appeared to have left us for the start of this one and our band of supporters were getting a little chilly by the lakeside, getting used to the conditions we fought hard to pull it back in this Race and our top places were:
5) Jon E (Rooster 8.1)
7) Mick P (Comet Uno)
9) Dave E (Comet Uno)
On to Race 3 and a change to the course bought the sun back which our supporters were very grateful for. The change of course worked in our favour, although some interclub competition stopped us scoring a ittle higher and our top places were:
5) Mick P (Comet Uno)
6) Dave E (Comet Uno)
8) Simon C (Lightning)
Our Comet sailors seemed to fair better on the day but over all we were beaten by Shearwater who scored 159 to our 254 - so for the return leg in September there's everything to sail for and the home advantage and knowledge of the quirks of sailing on the Avon should give us an advantage over the visitors.
A great day was had by all and a big thanks to the whole team and to our group of supporters who made the journey up to cheer us on, more photos from the day can be seen here, if you have any from the day you'd like added to the album please email them to Sherilyn (PRO).