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Friday, 29th November:

David FitzSimons writes, ‘The day began for Koolaroo with a Charity Regatta out of Middle Harbour, completed in patchy rain and medium winds. After the race, we motored back to the Squadron and waited in the pond for our regular Friday night crew. Unfortunately, three members were unaware of the changed traffic conditions, which led to a rushed start.

The handicapper has been very kind to us this year, and we were only two minutes behind the first boat, Lively, as we headed for the starting line. This was despite having already won twice this season (albeit in reduced fleets).

We got off to a reasonable start, maybe five seconds late and powered up on starboard tack, close-hauled at the starting boat end. As we approached the first mark, we were fortunate to tack away from a massive tanker coming up the Harbour, while Flying Turtle got caught on the wrong side, forcing them to double back.

We cleared the first mark by a whisker and bore away toward the far mark, with Lively well ahead and no other Second Division boats nearby. The wind was around 10 knots, with heavy cloud and light, spitting rain.

Turning for home, we were still about two minutes behind Lively but managed to reduce the margin as we worked up to Shark Island. As we approached the Shark Island mark, the rain intensified and thoroughly soaked us all. We were fortunate to round the mark a couple of boat lengths ahead of a mass of First Division and Amateur boats.

We ducked just inside one Amateur boat, and with clear air, we focused on trying to run down Lively. We managed to get close, but then the rain picked up again, and a heavy mist reduced visibility to about 50 meters. There was considerable animated discussion amongst the crew and skipper about what direction to take to get to the finish line!

The wind dropped to about 5 knots from behind, shifting direction constantly, so we found ourselves jibing the headsail to keep it filled, with the main occasionally needing adjustment. More animated discussion!

Somehow, we managed to pass to windward of Lively and began to think we might win. Alas it was not to be, with our heavy cruising headsail, now totally sodden, unable to draw consistently in the fading wind.

We crossed second, a creditable 13 seconds behind Lively for fastest time of the day, and headed for the Club to dry off.

The night was capped off with our bottle of wine for second together with a win in the lucky door prize of a sailing bag. Thanks to our sponsors, Sail Racing for their support!’

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