Commodores Cup 21/05/2023

Published 11:32 on 7 Jun 2023

Due to lack of wind, the Commodore's Cup was re-run this week, which saw very strong18+ mph winds, and a very big sea swell, thanks to the northerly wind which has been blowing for the past few days.

There was much discussion in the boat park pre-race. Big thanks to the Race Officer team of Pat and Anita, and the Safety Boat crew of Steve and Darren J, who agreed to leap into action to make the race possible.

We agreed to launch in the bay at low tide to benefit from the shelter of the harbour wall, and it was tough launching through breaking waves. It took a bit of getting used to the wind strength and the sometimes breaking waves out at sea, but the race started with Graham in a Quba crossing with Rob in his ILCA, and Lawrence and friend George close behind. There was a short beat to the first buoy, then a real fun reach, often planing, out to sea to the gybe mark (or not gybing as the case may be), then a risky run with the huge waves pushing the fleet down to mark 3. Tony and Paul in their Laser 2000 were in their element, speeding around the course, with George and Winter onboard the Vareo sharing the helming and having a ball.

It was a great course, pretty short, thus keeping the fleet together, and a great day to test skills in very extreme weather. 7 laps were completed, with most boats having a capsize of two. Well done to all who took part!

Report kindly written by GrahamHead

Photos taken by Darren Ray

Last updated 12:26 on 7 June 2023