The 2017/18 Sabre Nationals
at the Perth Dinghy Sailing Club
I've been invited to take a peek at the Sabres again and I intend to enjoy the experience. Sailing on Matilda Bay opposite the club, the breeze generally gets in around midday and freshens into a decent sou wester from 1 pm on.
With two races per day, its going to give the sailors a chance to enjoy a little time free in the mornings to shop, hang on the beach at Cottesloe and go out to dinner in the local restaurants after sailing. Sounds like a great days sailing to me. I'll not be present each day, as there are other commitments, but I intend to watch the event as best as possible over the regatta.
As ever, images are for sale. Contact me on [email protected] or 0418 907792
With two races per day, its going to give the sailors a chance to enjoy a little time free in the mornings to shop, hang on the beach at Cottesloe and go out to dinner in the local restaurants after sailing. Sounds like a great days sailing to me. I'll not be present each day, as there are other commitments, but I intend to watch the event as best as possible over the regatta.
As ever, images are for sale. Contact me on [email protected] or 0418 907792
ON BOARD WITH COLD SHOT
You may have noticed a small camera on the back of Cold Shot on Wednesday.
This is the result.
You may have noticed a small camera on the back of Cold Shot on Wednesday.
This is the result.
Thursday the 4th of January
Day six
Closing arguments.
Day six
Closing arguments.
Given that the breeze hadn't decided to come in on time, I had a cruise around the waiting sailors, looking around the boats and engaging in idle chit chat. Managed to look at most of the hiding spots where boats and shade could be found and had a chat to some of sailors. Then back into the club to watch the opening moments of the 5th Test. My word.. Spinner Nathan was already at work by mid-afternoon on the first day.
Back to the water, it's past eleven and the sea breeze had begun to whisper through the gums around us and the race team began to stir. Time to make a move. So Matt, Geoff and I jumped onto the boat and headed onto the water. And waited till the breeze settled into a steady 10 knots under the starters AP. They lined up on the line and sure as eggs, the general recall was called. Not once but twice. My respect for the RO grows each day. I'd be steaming at the ears and reaching for a suitable flag.
Finally the start got underway and what came along but the Captain Stirling. " No problems" it can be sailed around and then the wind made a major shift into the west. Consultation was made and the race was abandoned as the beat to the top mark was a straight run for those who had gone right. Yes we were queried as the boats flowed back past us, but we were observers, not advisors.
The restart.... It's after one pm and the Javelins are heading out. The start line reassembled and they did it again. Just over eager I guess, but finally they got away and with an even split, the run up to the top mark under a course three had some unlikely boats at the front. But lurking is a good idea and Scott had this in mind as he worked his way up the pack. Speaking to a local sailor afterwards, he said. " I was buried, dead and gone and then a bit of luck took me past 5 boats on one beat. You can't beat that as a motivator. Off I went."
Down to the bottom they went and back up to top for the second leg of a three lap race. The young fellow was still in front and it augured well for him. Once more they plunged down the river and a decision was made to shorten the race at the top mark. Up went the S flag and the start boat was aligned correctly with the top mark as the pin mark.
Several boats misconstrued the flags and went the wrong way, but those who knew their way did well.
My thanks to Perth Dinghy Sailing Club, the vast group of volunteers from their club and sister clubs who put in the effort to let this Nationals become a success. To Brian and his extended family who have made the event work. Regatta manager Chelsea-- my thanks, as well to Matt Depiazzi who drove for the media crew and had Geoff along to assist. My respect to the race team headed by RO Robyn Olsen; it's not an easy job, even if you have Sue sitting in the regatta office sorting out the results. And to Eliza who let us adorn her with the Sabres accoutrement for a couple of days.
Lots of fun on a truly friendly regatta.
Enjoy the images
There is a disc available of the images I've taken, with bonus video footage.
$ 25 inclusive of postage and handling in Australia ( images will be between 1 to 2 mb in size)
contact me on [email protected]
Back to the water, it's past eleven and the sea breeze had begun to whisper through the gums around us and the race team began to stir. Time to make a move. So Matt, Geoff and I jumped onto the boat and headed onto the water. And waited till the breeze settled into a steady 10 knots under the starters AP. They lined up on the line and sure as eggs, the general recall was called. Not once but twice. My respect for the RO grows each day. I'd be steaming at the ears and reaching for a suitable flag.
Finally the start got underway and what came along but the Captain Stirling. " No problems" it can be sailed around and then the wind made a major shift into the west. Consultation was made and the race was abandoned as the beat to the top mark was a straight run for those who had gone right. Yes we were queried as the boats flowed back past us, but we were observers, not advisors.
The restart.... It's after one pm and the Javelins are heading out. The start line reassembled and they did it again. Just over eager I guess, but finally they got away and with an even split, the run up to the top mark under a course three had some unlikely boats at the front. But lurking is a good idea and Scott had this in mind as he worked his way up the pack. Speaking to a local sailor afterwards, he said. " I was buried, dead and gone and then a bit of luck took me past 5 boats on one beat. You can't beat that as a motivator. Off I went."
Down to the bottom they went and back up to top for the second leg of a three lap race. The young fellow was still in front and it augured well for him. Once more they plunged down the river and a decision was made to shorten the race at the top mark. Up went the S flag and the start boat was aligned correctly with the top mark as the pin mark.
Several boats misconstrued the flags and went the wrong way, but those who knew their way did well.
My thanks to Perth Dinghy Sailing Club, the vast group of volunteers from their club and sister clubs who put in the effort to let this Nationals become a success. To Brian and his extended family who have made the event work. Regatta manager Chelsea-- my thanks, as well to Matt Depiazzi who drove for the media crew and had Geoff along to assist. My respect to the race team headed by RO Robyn Olsen; it's not an easy job, even if you have Sue sitting in the regatta office sorting out the results. And to Eliza who let us adorn her with the Sabres accoutrement for a couple of days.
Lots of fun on a truly friendly regatta.
Enjoy the images
There is a disc available of the images I've taken, with bonus video footage.
$ 25 inclusive of postage and handling in Australia ( images will be between 1 to 2 mb in size)
contact me on [email protected]
Wednesday the 3rd of January
Day five
Back on the boat!
Day five
Back on the boat!
The breeze was in by the time I reached the club and the hopes were for a stiff breeze out of the south west. Even the pundits were looking hopeful and with good faith I strapped a camera onto the back of a Sabre (Cold Shot) to find what would come of it. Wait and see.
We set off with a mission. Put the Sabre colours onto Eliza, the diver who resides in the water beside Mounts Bay Rd. She represents the popular swimming baths that existed there in earlier years and is often graced with garments and other things to help provoke discussion amongst those who drive past her everyday. It's the Sabres' turn.
Back to the sailing and someone hadn't told the sailors to behave today. An AP to kick off with as the breeze settled and then two false starts; finally the first race was underway. Only a U flag was displayed and it could have been worse. Should have been....The next race started after an AP as we waited for the wind to settle and for the line to be re-adjusted. No problems and then another two general recalls. I think that the RO was remarkably restrained. Still the dreaded black flag had not come out.
The race began and we all watched as the leader in the last race wasn't out at the front. Wow. that's going to make things interesting and it certainly did. The light breezes has allowed the grand masters and vets look at their sailing skills and some have moved up because of it. Megan ( from Mount Martha ) has begun to lift herself and is leading the women and is second in the seniors. David Meehan is holding 3rd place over all and is first senior. Grand Master Murray O'Brian is doing very well as top GM, but has Craig McPhee ( GM ) on his heels.
When I left, they were sorting out the protests and they had dragged in another jurist to help sort out the protests. An interesting thought occurred.... and I promptly stifled it.
Enjoy the images and I'll see you tomorrow.
We set off with a mission. Put the Sabre colours onto Eliza, the diver who resides in the water beside Mounts Bay Rd. She represents the popular swimming baths that existed there in earlier years and is often graced with garments and other things to help provoke discussion amongst those who drive past her everyday. It's the Sabres' turn.
Back to the sailing and someone hadn't told the sailors to behave today. An AP to kick off with as the breeze settled and then two false starts; finally the first race was underway. Only a U flag was displayed and it could have been worse. Should have been....The next race started after an AP as we waited for the wind to settle and for the line to be re-adjusted. No problems and then another two general recalls. I think that the RO was remarkably restrained. Still the dreaded black flag had not come out.
The race began and we all watched as the leader in the last race wasn't out at the front. Wow. that's going to make things interesting and it certainly did. The light breezes has allowed the grand masters and vets look at their sailing skills and some have moved up because of it. Megan ( from Mount Martha ) has begun to lift herself and is leading the women and is second in the seniors. David Meehan is holding 3rd place over all and is first senior. Grand Master Murray O'Brian is doing very well as top GM, but has Craig McPhee ( GM ) on his heels.
When I left, they were sorting out the protests and they had dragged in another jurist to help sort out the protests. An interesting thought occurred.... and I promptly stifled it.
Enjoy the images and I'll see you tomorrow.
Tuesday the 2nd of January
Day four
A view from the lawns.
Day four
A view from the lawns.
Time off for good behaviour is often the case for an excuse to pick up the camera and as I was going down Mounts Bay Rd at about 2 pm I decided to camp on the lawn near the bend of the road where the old RPYC start box was located. I'd noticed that the start boat was often parked there on a sou wester and as it was in ( 12 to 15 knots ) I took a chance.
As I set up, I chanced to meet with Terry Gaunt senior and family and had the time to chat to him about his son who was sailing in the regatta. He told me of his early days on VJ's, Gwens and lightweight Sharpies and the Maylands Yacht club where he was until recently, the patron of the same. He mentioned his son Terry Gaunt who at the young age of 60 is out there beating all the sailors he can find. Given the family support, I'm sure he'll do well.
I missed the first start but the second was a cracker. All lined up and somewhere to go. An AP caused by a wind shift didn't cause a change of a heart beat and the fleet roared off the start line en mass. Not many images, as I was shooting at the maximum range (even for a 400mm lens) but I've tucked away some great video for later on.
Enjoy the images and see you tomorrow.
As I set up, I chanced to meet with Terry Gaunt senior and family and had the time to chat to him about his son who was sailing in the regatta. He told me of his early days on VJ's, Gwens and lightweight Sharpies and the Maylands Yacht club where he was until recently, the patron of the same. He mentioned his son Terry Gaunt who at the young age of 60 is out there beating all the sailors he can find. Given the family support, I'm sure he'll do well.
I missed the first start but the second was a cracker. All lined up and somewhere to go. An AP caused by a wind shift didn't cause a change of a heart beat and the fleet roared off the start line en mass. Not many images, as I was shooting at the maximum range (even for a 400mm lens) but I've tucked away some great video for later on.
Enjoy the images and see you tomorrow.
Sunday the 31st of December
Day three.
The Doctor is in
Day three.
The Doctor is in
As the title suggests, the fabled wind whisperer has done his job and the Doctor came to town. Not in full fury, but enough to make it an interesting day for all. Once again we were welcomed into the club and after a brief wait, Matt was ready to get us underway. As with yesterday we had a third person aboard, Geoff from Victoria and he's been following his partner Megan in her travails on the water.
The Sabres were away on time on a course three and it developed into a one horse race as Scott Olsen showed his knowledge of the boat and the breeze and just cleared out. Cleared out did you hear me say? Darned right. He had a lead so strong at the end of the race, that he could have been sitting on the club balcony sipping on a cup of tea waiting for the stragglers to get over the line. But in the 15 to 20 knots it was a clear indication of the master class offered to those who followed. More than once on the down winds you could see him working the boat from side to side to take advantage of every little puff and wave. Good sailing.
The second race held a smack of desperation for those who were in the vanguard of the attack.
The fleet bulged, no not bulged; burst over the start line in an attempt to get away on a great seabreeze. Up went a general recall and the recall boat soared across the front of the fleet sending the 50 + boats back to the line. Another five minutes to the start and a U flag was present this time.
This time the fleet got away with only an individual recall flag flying, but we were busy with cameras and didn't see what happened. This time the leader in the last race had company. Rather like chewy on your boot he stuck with him all the way around the three laps shrugging off any attempts to shed him and matching his every turn and tack. Did he know something no one else knew? But the race had three laps and the wild ride down to the wing mark on the last lap had everyone with their hearts in their mouths. Speaking to one of the competitors afterwards, she reckoned that she only had another lap left in her by the end of the race and that would have been running the tank on empty.
We were sitting on the finish line when the leading boat discovered he'd taken an OCS and the look on his face told it all. The best race he'd put in so far and it was nothing but a discard. Something to chew on and the win went to David Meehan of Safety Bay YC who had played the shadow game.
Enjoy the images and the video.
The Sabres were away on time on a course three and it developed into a one horse race as Scott Olsen showed his knowledge of the boat and the breeze and just cleared out. Cleared out did you hear me say? Darned right. He had a lead so strong at the end of the race, that he could have been sitting on the club balcony sipping on a cup of tea waiting for the stragglers to get over the line. But in the 15 to 20 knots it was a clear indication of the master class offered to those who followed. More than once on the down winds you could see him working the boat from side to side to take advantage of every little puff and wave. Good sailing.
The second race held a smack of desperation for those who were in the vanguard of the attack.
The fleet bulged, no not bulged; burst over the start line in an attempt to get away on a great seabreeze. Up went a general recall and the recall boat soared across the front of the fleet sending the 50 + boats back to the line. Another five minutes to the start and a U flag was present this time.
This time the fleet got away with only an individual recall flag flying, but we were busy with cameras and didn't see what happened. This time the leader in the last race had company. Rather like chewy on your boot he stuck with him all the way around the three laps shrugging off any attempts to shed him and matching his every turn and tack. Did he know something no one else knew? But the race had three laps and the wild ride down to the wing mark on the last lap had everyone with their hearts in their mouths. Speaking to one of the competitors afterwards, she reckoned that she only had another lap left in her by the end of the race and that would have been running the tank on empty.
We were sitting on the finish line when the leading boat discovered he'd taken an OCS and the look on his face told it all. The best race he'd put in so far and it was nothing but a discard. Something to chew on and the win went to David Meehan of Safety Bay YC who had played the shadow game.
Enjoy the images and the video.
Saturday the 30th of December
Day two.
Racing begins
Day two.
Racing begins
With a spring in my step and the chance of a seabreeze in the afternoon, I glanced to my left and looked down the river...not a lot, but it was starting to fill in. Still we had an hour to wait and it was a case of slide in the door at the club house and dump my gear ready to see what was afoot.
The Javelins and the Flying ants are also holding their nationals as well and the club house is busy. Fleets and volunteers everywhere. But Brian had us sorted out and Jenn Medd and I were packed off onto the media boat and quietly sent on our way. Down to the start line and amongst the full fleet of Sabres preparing to launch off the start line. A short delay until the breeze filled in and stabilized and then away we went. Ooops! general recall. An over eager start had the fleet told to get back behind the line and the countdown recommenced under a U flag. Not surprising really, they did it in the last Nationals as well and RO Robyn Scott still had the dreaded "Black Flag" up his sleeve.
This time they were away on a good choice of a course two. A triangle and a sausage in sailors parlance, with an up wind finish. Not much breeze to speak of had the fleet going slowly, but as we approached the top mark the distinctive aroma of frying onions being cooked on a spectator boat had the media boat slavering in anticipation. Not to be though, as the first boats were approaching the top mark. We managed to get a good look at the fleet as they crowded the mark and there will be some video of the hustle and bustle of the roundings. About then the whirring of a drone was heard and a phantom IV went past with the rotors screaming as they hoisted the camera into the sky. Good luck to them. If they hit the drink.... by by.... good video though.
We had to stop to tow in the first of two boats. He'd used our services earlier on to repair a venturi, but I guess it wasn't fully repairable and he was slowly going down. By the time he was in we just had enough time to get to the finish line for the final dash.
The second race was a bit better as the breeze had picked up a little, but Matilda Bay is a sheltered area and the breeze was still easy to sail with. The RO had no problems with putting up a course three on a 220 degree wind and set them underway near on 2.50 pm. A good get away to the top mark had Scott Olsen of RFBYC first to the top and really he was becoming an institution pretty quickly.. It was only the bloke from McCrea YC in Victoria Murray O'Brian who was keeping him honest during the race. Not that I'm sure they were always at the front, but their sail numbers kept on being read out on the call at the mark. Then another boat came toward us, sail flapping as though he'd lost his outhaul. Worse.....his boom had snapped. So tow him home and just get back to the finish line again. We managed to get some great images and video out of it so I'll be processing the video tomorrow morning.
Back on deck tomorrow.. enjoy the images.
The Javelins and the Flying ants are also holding their nationals as well and the club house is busy. Fleets and volunteers everywhere. But Brian had us sorted out and Jenn Medd and I were packed off onto the media boat and quietly sent on our way. Down to the start line and amongst the full fleet of Sabres preparing to launch off the start line. A short delay until the breeze filled in and stabilized and then away we went. Ooops! general recall. An over eager start had the fleet told to get back behind the line and the countdown recommenced under a U flag. Not surprising really, they did it in the last Nationals as well and RO Robyn Scott still had the dreaded "Black Flag" up his sleeve.
This time they were away on a good choice of a course two. A triangle and a sausage in sailors parlance, with an up wind finish. Not much breeze to speak of had the fleet going slowly, but as we approached the top mark the distinctive aroma of frying onions being cooked on a spectator boat had the media boat slavering in anticipation. Not to be though, as the first boats were approaching the top mark. We managed to get a good look at the fleet as they crowded the mark and there will be some video of the hustle and bustle of the roundings. About then the whirring of a drone was heard and a phantom IV went past with the rotors screaming as they hoisted the camera into the sky. Good luck to them. If they hit the drink.... by by.... good video though.
We had to stop to tow in the first of two boats. He'd used our services earlier on to repair a venturi, but I guess it wasn't fully repairable and he was slowly going down. By the time he was in we just had enough time to get to the finish line for the final dash.
The second race was a bit better as the breeze had picked up a little, but Matilda Bay is a sheltered area and the breeze was still easy to sail with. The RO had no problems with putting up a course three on a 220 degree wind and set them underway near on 2.50 pm. A good get away to the top mark had Scott Olsen of RFBYC first to the top and really he was becoming an institution pretty quickly.. It was only the bloke from McCrea YC in Victoria Murray O'Brian who was keeping him honest during the race. Not that I'm sure they were always at the front, but their sail numbers kept on being read out on the call at the mark. Then another boat came toward us, sail flapping as though he'd lost his outhaul. Worse.....his boom had snapped. So tow him home and just get back to the finish line again. We managed to get some great images and video out of it so I'll be processing the video tomorrow morning.
Back on deck tomorrow.. enjoy the images.
Friday the 29th of December
Day one.
The Invitation Races
Day one.
The Invitation Races
One of a series of quick stories that are fresh in my mind as I write.
A sunny day with a promise of good sailing as I crossed the Canning river and watched the building seabreeze running up the river. Maybe, this might be a good day. Studying the entrants available I'd noted that age wasn't a problem, just the nomenclature. Veterans, Grand Masters.....bloody hell, they're my age. With two youth entrants I could see that cunning and wisdom would rule the waves on this regatta. More later..:-)
Invited to go out on the media boat driven by Matt Depiazzi ( Rob's son ) I joined photographer Jenn Medd to take a video camera onto the water. With the thought in mind that video takes a bit longer to process I also had my trusty K5 along and with great pleasure we joined the fleet forming out on the water under Robyn Olsens directorship.
By this time we had 18 to 20+ knots on Melville Water East and about 5 knots lighter in Matilda Bay. The start was well away and 40 plus boats ( not the full fleet ) took off from a long start line. There was an individual recall, but we ignored him, the race was afoot. On a course three it was to be a long race and the first top mark as the one to watch and then to the bottom to see them come around the wing mark and advance toward us. Great sailing and by the third leg of the race the breeze had picked up a little and boats were preparing to fall over as they approached the bottom mark.
The successful ones were those who had their boats under control, but those who swung out wide were watched keenly..... either a granny tack or a wild gybe.. three boats bit the dust and I have them for viewing later on. The fleet was well spread out and there was no mad avoidance of an upturned boat. More a warning of doom as you approached the bottom mark.
The second race took a little time to get going with one or two AP's, but start they did on a course two and the dozen or so boats that took on the second race took no time at all to get around the course in a breeze that had eased a little. But as breakages were occurring already and it was only an invitational... what the heck...sit on the shore and watch the other guys and girls try hard. So to the finish and I've popped in a light amuse.
Never in my life have I seen a boat ( any boat ) go bow up and roll over as it bit the drink. And "ACE" did it in front of the finish boat 20 meters from the line. OMG what was he thinking? Photo op.. you bet.
I'm always interested in a story and we have a father/son pair over from McCrea Yacht club in Victoria. Liam and Murray O'Brian. What made me sit up and pay attention was that they have another member of the family in the 420 worlds at Freo. Anna O'Brian is driving a boat. Imagine bringing three dinghies across the Nullarbor. Hard work.
Enjoy the images and the video. See you tomorrow.
A sunny day with a promise of good sailing as I crossed the Canning river and watched the building seabreeze running up the river. Maybe, this might be a good day. Studying the entrants available I'd noted that age wasn't a problem, just the nomenclature. Veterans, Grand Masters.....bloody hell, they're my age. With two youth entrants I could see that cunning and wisdom would rule the waves on this regatta. More later..:-)
Invited to go out on the media boat driven by Matt Depiazzi ( Rob's son ) I joined photographer Jenn Medd to take a video camera onto the water. With the thought in mind that video takes a bit longer to process I also had my trusty K5 along and with great pleasure we joined the fleet forming out on the water under Robyn Olsens directorship.
By this time we had 18 to 20+ knots on Melville Water East and about 5 knots lighter in Matilda Bay. The start was well away and 40 plus boats ( not the full fleet ) took off from a long start line. There was an individual recall, but we ignored him, the race was afoot. On a course three it was to be a long race and the first top mark as the one to watch and then to the bottom to see them come around the wing mark and advance toward us. Great sailing and by the third leg of the race the breeze had picked up a little and boats were preparing to fall over as they approached the bottom mark.
The successful ones were those who had their boats under control, but those who swung out wide were watched keenly..... either a granny tack or a wild gybe.. three boats bit the dust and I have them for viewing later on. The fleet was well spread out and there was no mad avoidance of an upturned boat. More a warning of doom as you approached the bottom mark.
The second race took a little time to get going with one or two AP's, but start they did on a course two and the dozen or so boats that took on the second race took no time at all to get around the course in a breeze that had eased a little. But as breakages were occurring already and it was only an invitational... what the heck...sit on the shore and watch the other guys and girls try hard. So to the finish and I've popped in a light amuse.
Never in my life have I seen a boat ( any boat ) go bow up and roll over as it bit the drink. And "ACE" did it in front of the finish boat 20 meters from the line. OMG what was he thinking? Photo op.. you bet.
I'm always interested in a story and we have a father/son pair over from McCrea Yacht club in Victoria. Liam and Murray O'Brian. What made me sit up and pay attention was that they have another member of the family in the 420 worlds at Freo. Anna O'Brian is driving a boat. Imagine bringing three dinghies across the Nullarbor. Hard work.
Enjoy the images and the video. See you tomorrow.