At yesterday’s final winter series racing at EFYC, 12 Sabres came to the starting line, in light and drizzly conditions. There were 2 visitors from PDSC and one from FSC.
Due to the light conditions, only one race was sailed. Pete Coop took an early lead, which he maintained to the finish. Behind him, things were different. Peter Johnston looked to be in a comfortable 2nd place half way through the first round of two, but slipped back into the pack, which included Scott Olsen, Dave Quinn and Tony Carr.
With Pete Coop well ahead, the following pack rounded the final mark, before the final beat to the finish, in close company. Soon after, Peter’s mainsheet attachment broke and this allowed Simon Walker and Ed Bannerman to pass him, but a quick reattachment meant only 2 lost places.
Pete Coop finished a well deserved first, followed by Scott Olsen and Dave Quinn not far behind. In minor places were Tony Carr and a fast finishing Ed Bannerman.
Conditions ranged from very light and shifty to moderate with some of us hiking on occasions. It was a typically challenging race at East Fremantle, with tidal and river flow, holes in the wind and significant shifts. However, the racing was close, keen and highly competitive.
Peter Johnston