(Noumea, New Caledonia, South Pacific)- Here’s a picture of happiness. Three happy J/Boat owners at
the end of a hard, on-the-wind, slog from Brisbane to Noumea in the
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron & Cercle Nautique Caledonien "Sail
Noumea 2015" race that started on 20th June. Left to right are:
Chris Morgan- J/130 RAGTIME; Stephen Everett- J/160 SALACIA; Tony Love- J/133 PATRIOT.
The race started on the Thursday for the Cruising boats with the
"Division Two" boats starting on the Friday and "Division One" boats
starting on the Saturday with 12 starters in Div 1 & 2 and 4
starters in the Cruise Division. Brisbane to Noumea is a distance of
840nm- see their website-
http://www.sailnoumea.com
Here is Chris Morgan’s report from RAGTIME:
“Ragtime had a bad start spending time on a sand bank just after dark
going out of the bay whilst giving a big ship room to navigate the
channel then by the time we got to the turning mark off Caloundra to
head out to Noumea the wind had come in from the Southeast at 20 to 30
knots forward of beam and was to remain like that for the rest of the
race.
The first night out was shocking as we were concerned that we may have
some damage from the grounding and the sea was very confused with lots
of water over the deck and the majority of us were sea sick. At one
stage we backed right off just sailing on No 3 headsail and checking the
boat over thoroughly. Early in the evening we passed two of the "Big
Boys' "Alive" and the Volvo 70 "Mates for Mates" returning to Brisbane
with gear failure.
By 6.00 am we had two reefs in the main. No 3 headsail and a small
staysail up punching into big seas at 45 to 50 apparent at 9 to 10 knots
- Great sailing and we then settled into a routine for the next four
days going from one reef to two and back.
The
boat handled it very well and down below off watch it was very
comfortable and warm the only issues being that we were taking water in
through the prodder opening and chain locker. As the boat was leaning
over to port the water would not drain to the keel to be handled by the
pump so it accumulated under the nav table and we had to constantly
sponge it up at about a bucket an hour all the way.
We also broke the toilet seat, the toilet door and two spokes off the
wheel. Just getting wet weather gear on and of was a big exercise when
the boat is at a 30 to 40 degree angle in big seas.
About a day and a half from Noumea we started the motor to charge the
power up and realized that we were not getting any charge from the
alternator (Water under the nav table had got to the charger box) so we
ran that night in "stealth mode" to conserve power with a torch light
over the compass. Very pleasant sailing without the distraction of the
instruments.
As darkness fell on the fourth day we spotted "Amedee Light" which marks
the entrance to the reef off Noumea and we were able to use the lap top
and "Expedition" to navigate. About this time the wind picked up - Not
sure to what as we had the instruments off but guess about 40 K and very
shifty and heading us so we had to put in a few tacks to get lined up
with the Amedee Light leads loosing about 2 hours (If only we had stayed
further south on the last day we would have been in 2 hours earlier and
perhaps we would not have had to give "Patriot" a bottle of "Skippers
Quality Rum").
The lead lights were vey good but even with the confidence of the
computer it was a bit nerve racking running in at a reef with a 750
meter entrance in the dark at 12 + knots. Once in it was a nice run
following the greens down the channel to the finish just before
midnight.
Upon arrival, we were meet by a large group and our "God Father"
presented us with a basket of bread, Cheese, French wine and Beer. The
Party was still going when the sun came up!
Ragtime's position was 8th over the line, 6th IRC, 5th ORCi, 9th PHS Time (4 days 11 hours 54 minutes)
Patriot's position was 4th over the line, 4th IRC, 3rd ORCi, 5th PHS Time ( 4 days 7 hours 25 minutes )
Salacia - Cruising. Time (Aprox 4.5 days)
Our "God Father" and the CNC were great and organized for the wheel to
go off to the welders and had an electrician on the boat within hours of
or arrival who replaced the charger unit and the alternator.
All boats were in the same position requiring some sort of repair but
nothing was too much trouble to the CNC club members getting all our
boats seaworthy again within a few days.
Now for our next challenge "Hamilton Island Race Week & the IRC Nationals" in August!!”
Here is Stephen Everett’s report from SALACIA (see their blog, too-
www.salacia1.blogspot.com.au):
“Day 1- Departed Raby Bay 0915 in clear skies and sunshine
following a streamlined clearance from friendly Customs and Border
Control staff who kindly came to the Everett residence to clear all crew
for departure – what an efficient service!
Salacia, Skipper and crew left the home shores, waved onwards by family
and friends on Cleveland Point. With little wind around, an excited crew
hoisted the Mainsail and the journey began with motor sailing towards
Moreton Island with pods of dolphins happily swimming along side to take
us out to the North East Channel.
We cleared NE Marker 2 at 1400 then turned towards Noumea with another
pod of speckled dolphins swimming off our bow and leading us into the
blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Following a superb dinner of chicken and mushrooms, compliments of Di,
and with crystal clear blue water beneath us, a WSW wind of 10-15 knots
filling the Main and poled Jib we happily sailed into the night with a
blanket of stars above us – spectacular!
Day 2- After an uneventful night at the helm for all of the
shifts the happy crew gathered in the cockpit to watch the glorious
sunrise of a new day over a hot, fresh coffee and a quick debrief before
some headed to bed, some to shower and others on watch again.
Salacia’s routine for the crew for the duration of the crossing had
begun and all aboard had settled into the first 24 hours very well.
A magnificent, sparkly day in front of us with pods of dolphins welcoming us into this new day and their Pacific home.
We continued the sail rig with gusts up to 23 knots and good boat speed
between 9-12 knots and variable currents after strong southerly current
off the east coast.
Salacia performing beautifully - we are sailing the blue waters and no land to see! Yah!!
Day 3- The glorious break of day greets the contented crew. All
had some rest during the night thanks in part to the lightening of
weather conditions overnight easing to 10-15 knots and moving SSW.
This was followed by a hearty brunch of eye fillet sandwiches, with
brandy and cream sauce – well Salacia is “dry” for the crossing so a
little tempting taste of what we can have when we arrive in Noumea, a
wee tipple or two, keeps the Skipper and crew amused and content to wait
for the arrival in Noumea! Sure all the livers aboard are happy they
too are enjoying a holiday of fresh air and water!?
In the midst of the female crew, busy with rags polishing the cockpit,
comes excitement down below: “time to raise the Spinnaker”! All hands
on deck and up she goes! A few hours later, the wind drops out again
and down she comes, fun while it lasted!
Not long before the setting of the sun on another glorious day and we
are thrilled by the sighting of a migrating whale to our port side as we
come over the sea mount of Capel Bank, only 50 metres of water below us
after over 5,000 metres of deep water…. the trawling line just may go
out as we go over the Bank!
Day 4-
Finishing the 0200 shift on deck the fortunate crew hit the pillows
with the sound of rain falling on deck and the next round of crew
dealing with mild conditions and rain. Oh well, Salacia had a wash down
too!
The early morning greeted crew with fluffy clouds over the far eastern
horizon hiding the break of day however a low flying albatross swooped
and dived over the stunning deep violet blue waves and flew alongside
Salacia enjoying the company, but perhaps more the thought of catching
the spectacular silver and blue flying fish coming out of the big
southern swells. It was another glorious start to the day for all on
board.
The southerly arrived and with it some great winds giving Salacia her
task to ride the great southern swells and 15-20 knot winds. Great
helming by Skipper, Ross and Ron and superb sail trimming, ensured we
made great miles today – well done boys!
The swells and wind created a washing machine feel in the galley and
caused some trials and tribulations, not to be outdone the galley girls
proceeded with the menu of French scrambled eggs on home made toast with
grilled organic bacon and oven baked, vine ripened tomatoes with
balsamic vinegar … sound good enough to eat for a hungry crew?
Well Salacia thought so too! A rogue wave hit the starboard side just
as the 14 or so organic eggs and half litre of cream were all whipped
and ready for the pan! The bowl remained in the sink; the egg mixture
flew over the entire fridge, freezer and louvered timber doors! The
expletives just may have been heard in Brisbane! The helmsman got the
message and lightened off the mainsail and from the remaining egg cache
the mixture had to be re-done to ensure a great brunch could be enjoyed
by all …. sorry to say Noumea customs we will have no eggs to pass
in!! Credit where credit is due the great helmsman of the moment spent
over an hour emptying fridge, freezer and cupboards for the mammoth
clean up!
A stunning day finished off with Sand Crab Lasagna compliments of Cherie
who is on a holiday of her own in USA! No hiccups in the galley
tonight!
Day 5- Strong breezes afforded a very fast sail overnight with
two sail reaching and the first sight this morning was not a whale,
dolphins or an albatross but alas Beau Geste around 5 nautical miles to
our port side and passing us doing at least 20 knots! What a sight…she
will achieve line honours at the very least and perhaps race record,
well earned and well sailed!
With only 100 nautical miles to go all crew are enthusiastic about
arriving into safe harbor later this evening and passing the finishing
line that has been marked on the electronic chart with a blue cocktail
glass! Think the Skipper is pre warning all what may lay ahead after a
dry crossing!
Around 70 nautical miles from the finish line and the Pacific Ocean gave
us a taste of what it is capable of - big solid swells and 32 plus knot
winds! Salacia sailed through with great helmsman ship from the
Skipper, Ross & Ron …. well done boys you rose to the challenge!
Salacia and her crew sailed across the finish line at 2304 Australian
Eastern Standard time and were greeted by a Zodiac with officials from
Cercle Nautique Caledonien/Noumea Yacht Club. They kindly escorted us
to our protected berth and we welcomed aboard the Race Officials and
members of the Club who handed us a huge bag filled with French fare
including but not limited to baguettes, cheeses, salamis, Bordeaux wines
and French beer…what an incredible welcome at the early hours of the
morning!
The entire crew sat in the cockpit hugging and congratulating each other
for a fantastic passage and safe journey to calm waters and of course
toasted with French beer, Australian red wine and finished off with
Guatemala Ron Zacapa (for the uninitiated that is a liqueur type rum)
and deemed nectar of the gods…we all agreed and had another toast and
then crashed to our respective cabins for a peaceful, calm sleep!”
(Sydney, Australia)- It seems that Tim Ryan’s J/70 JAMES 007
has just won the CYCA Div E Winter series. And, this took place whilst
Tim and the rest of the normal crew were in La Rochelle for the J/70
Worlds!
(Newport, RI)- Featuring four coastal race courses between 104 nm and
177 nm, the Ida Lewis Distance Race is the perfectly designed
overnighter for IRC, PHRF, One Design, Multihull and Double-Handed boats
of 28 feet or longer. Its round-trip course starts and finishes off the
historic Ida Lewis Yacht Club and includes turning marks at Castle
Hill, Brenton Reef, Block Island, Montauk Point, Martha's Vineyard and
Buzzards Tower.
Course
Race, #2- Erie to Port Dover, #3- Long Point Bay Course, #4- Port Dover
to Port Colborne, #5- Port Colborne to Point Abino.
In
fact, the J/35s in PHRF B class nearly swept the podium, with
stablemate POISON IVY II helmed by Jim Kondziela taking 2nd in class and
5th overall in fleet and Bill Hertel’s MAGIC taking 4th overall, just 2
pts out of third!
(Toronto, ONT, Canada)- After six days of intense competition, the
highly anticipated sailing finals took place in the inner harbour in
front of downtown Toronto’s most popular urban beaches— Sugar Beach. Set
against Toronto’s skyline, spectators cheered in particular for their
hometown favorite, Terry McLaughlin, who was sailing in the J/24 class
series. In the end, McLaughlin’s fourth in the J-24 medal race Sunday
enabled his team to claim the silver medal on the final day of the
sailing regatta at the XVII Pan American Games in Toronto.
Sailing
off the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, McLaughlin, a graduate of Queen’s
University and silver medalist in Flying Dutchman class at the 1984
Olympics, ended the 13-race competition with 39 points, 12 points behind
gold medalist Matias Pereira of Argentina. The Argentineans’
gold-medal winning team consisted of the skipper Pereira, Guillermo
Bellinotto, Federico Ambrus and Juan Pereyra.
