Trialling for the Masses

Despite Tuesday's DBSC racing being cancelled, a group of racers assembled like lost sheep at the harbour mouth and decided to undertake a group attempt on The Island Trial.

At the start the tide had already been flooding for one hour and the southerly 12kt breeze wasn't ideal for the trip down. Conditions were never going to deliver a fast time so this was a "Gentlemen's Attempt".

1 Flying Fifteen, 2 K1's, 6 Lasers and a Finn crossed the start line between Harbour Mark and The East Pier Lighthouse. That's a 10 boat fleet on a night when racing had been cancelled!

The beat down was mostly starboard tack with the odd stint on port to gain some relief from the tide. The run home was one long broad reach with the tide behind. Grant Dalton talks about this type of "mode" sailing as being useful in an overall part of training to get the best out of your boat. We're not sailing AC72's but the idea is the same!



Conditions at the South end of the Island were fairly gnarly with overfalls, and both breaking and standing waves. These are not easy sailing conditions. If in doubt it's better to stand well off the island - or turn around.

4 Lasers and the 2 K1's made it around. Neil O'Toole led the way home followed by Alan McNab. Both Neil and Paul Keane were carrying trackers and you can see video of their courses below.

Note, Bulloch and Forty Foot marks are part of the course for both legs. On the leg to the Island they must be left to port. On the return leg they must be left to starboard.