Herreshoff Hill News

Another sailing season done and another upon us.

IMAGES Rick Steuart

Wednesday Winter Sailing.

H28 sailing on Wednesdays has just completed the Midweek Winter Series. The series started a few months back upon the conclusion of the Corona Cup. Over that time five to six H28’s were competing most weeks, Anna, Corella, Mariner, Swiftsure Saga, The First Jindarra and Wynella. Georgina, Karoleeya, Alma and Aloha raced on fewer occasions with a lack of crew being an issue.

With the conclusion of the Midweek Winter Series the final result was in doubt till the last race. The final point score was as follows:

Wynella ...................................................................18 Mariner .............................................................. 20.5 Swiftsure Saga ...............................................26.

Congratulations to Glen, Ernie, Russell, Andy and crew on a very reliable season in all sailing conditions over the winter months. A model of consistency with Wynella finishing in the top three most Wednesdays. Well done.

Frostbite.

In 2020 the “C Fleet” Frostbite Series consisted of seven races spanning the months between July and September. The majority of the early races were held in fairly light and fluky breezes more suitable to smaller, lighter boats. Due to inclement weather conditions the last two races were abandoned.

Georgina, Karoleeya, Mariner and Swiftsure Saga were intrepid competitors in “C Fleet” with Georgina and Mariner both recording “First over the Line” victories during the season.

Unusually none of the H28s finished in the top placegetters of “C Fleet” Frostbite Series with the very consistent San Michelle taking the honours. However, there is always next year.

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GEORGINA.

With the disruption of the 2020 sailing season due to COVID pandemic, end of year Presentation Night was held in late September with a considerable turnout of H28 sailors. Congratulations to all winners and placegetters of the multiple trophies awarded to the H28 fleet over the current and previous year. Again, a very closely contested year or so of racing for the H28 fleet.

Opening Day – 75th Year.

Opening Day of the SoPYC 75th year was held on Sunday 4th October. The traditional sail past of H28s consisted of Aloha, Anna, Corella, Georgina, Karoleeya, Napea of Carrick, Swiftsure Saga and Wynella. The H28 sail past followed John Great to see Georgina out on the water with new skipper Rupert Ledger.

Rupert has been sailing for a number of years, joining the Tackers program at aged 10 and Sea Scouts later on. A progression at SoPYC to Red Witches and Spacesailor 20 and 22’s followed.

While sailing on a Red Witch, Rupert observed a H28 and immediately admired its grace and beauty, acquiring Georgina when offered for sale.

At this point in time Rupert is studying for a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Project Management at ECU and plans to sail Georgina as often as possible with a crew of his dad Jason, friends from Sea Scouts and Red Witch fleet.

End of Year Function

~ John Pierzak. Wright and Anna past the various dignitaries and members gathered for the Opening Day ceremonies.

With the conclusion of Opening Day ceremonies, the 2020 Patron’s Trophy Pursuit Race commenced with the right amount of wind with multiple fleets starting at different Offset Times, sailing the same course.

The H28s made their start mid fleet with the “back markers” slowly hauling in the earlier starters. Some favourable wind shifts on the way to Deepwater Spit made for close racing back to the Start/Finish line for the first time.

The “second lap” to Dolphin West Buoy was again keenly contested with slower Red Witches and Endeavour’s being passed by H28s and Division 1 and 2 boats closing fast from behind. However, Wynella was in front for the majority of the H28 race and a deserving winner of the H28 Division opening day trophy. Great sail by Glen and crew and a celebrated day for all in H28 fleet.