S80 continued/... with original owner Fred Talbot). As the fleet settled down during the short first leg, Shadowfax established a substantial break over Will Hammond (Frakka), Ray Smith (Grand Piano) and Guy Skinner (Alchemy). The second leg took the fleet all the way to Sanders Buoy in the middle of Melville Water West. Leaders were greeted by the first hint of a sea breeze near Applecross Spit, allowing them to open up a wider gap on the chasing pack. Gerry Drysdale’s lead was substantially less as he rounded Sanders. Will Hammond was next, closely followed by Ray Smith. The next group included Chris Pye (Fusion), Bill Quinn (Surcouf) and Dave Hepburn (Hobo). The course took the fleet across towards Nedlands, back to Sanders and finally, back home again via Thelma Buoy. Ray Smith, with his crew of Alan Smith, Mike Hughes and Simon Sutherland worked their way past the leaders to round Thelma confident of victory. The battle for second place was enthralling right to the end. Gerry Drysdale and Will Hammond approached the last mark with Hammond overlapped on the inside. The wily Drysdale then held his course on starboard while Hammond tacked away for clear air. Picking up every little lift along the Freeway, Drysdale clearly gained the upper hand, crossing the finish line with a comfortable two length gap to Hammond, perhaps the widest gap between these two for the whole race! Ray Smith, a former president of the S80 Association, now lives in Queensland and was in Perth only by fortuitous circumstance. The State government lifted border restrictions in the nick of time, Smith’s business was conducting a conference in Perth and airline tickets were available. The boat and crew were put together at the last minute with some behind the scenes assistance from association officials. Back at the Clubhouse, Alan Tough’s sister Diane Airey spoke eloquently about the S80 class and its relevance to her late brother before presenting the winner’s trophy. A fitting end to another S80 Legend’s Race and a tribute to the longevity of this fine WA designed and built boat, examples of which are still competing in every state across the country. ~ Bernie Kaaks
22
VIPERS REPORT
Vipers Embrace Local Travel
A
busy start to the new season for the Viper fleet. After participating in all the metropolitan Opening Day events for Sportsboats the Vipers backed it up with the two-day Sail Freo regatta. The Vipers comprised almost half of the Sportsboat fleet in the Opening Day series with about six Vipers participating in most events. Sail Freo was conducted in glamour conditions with bright sunshine and light to moderate winds. Weed and waves always add an extra element of uncertainty compared to river sailing. Six Vipers battled it out in close racing. Team Jerwood
won the event from team Beurteaux with the rest of us fighting it out for third. Third place went to Chris Sutherland and crew on a countback from team Monkhouse. We are now back at SoPYC and Australia’s best on-water facilities. What a joy to use our 3 cranes and expansive dock area. On time starts, good courses and no weed – heaven. Sail Fast.
Ray Smith with crew Alan Smith, Mike Hughes and Simon Cunningham
SOUNDINGS | December 2020 ~ February 2021
