Light winds of 10-12 knots and a cloudless sunny day made for a perfect race for the Abell Point Yacht Club’s inaugural Round the Molles yacht race which saw 11 yachts with a crew list of 63 people all competing for a place.
With Mal Robertson (Eureka II) winning the best start followed closely by Rob Davis (Treasure VIII), the fleet slowly made their way up along the coast before rounding Pioneer Point and Almora Island.
Iyas Shaheen (Smooth Criminal) and Eureka II followed by Greg Hammon (Rossgo) and Jim Finch (Giggles) sailed over to the eastern side of the channel, while Charles Wallis (Reignition), David (Chippy) Chittleborough (Gnome), Rob Davis (Treasure VIII) and Terry Stevens (Matchless) went down the western mainland side expecting to pick up a back eddy, tacking countless times trying to get down to the Beak near Shute Harbour, only to get disadvantaged by the tide.
Racing fast up from the rear were Manteca, Mon Jouet and Location all trying to catch the front runners.
Smooth Criminal and Eureka II came out well in front by going down the eastern side where Rossgo also did well and crossed in front of Matchless at Sandy Bay.
Once around Denman Island the fleet set their spinnakers for a nice run up the outside of the islands to Hanna Point.
Treasure VIII getting away from Matchless who had overtaken Rossgo by this point.
The fleet then enjoyed a nice close reach with assistance from the tide back into Pioneer Bay and with a bit of a procession to the finish line.
Then back at the Whitsunday Sailing Club it was time for the results while each crew enjoyed the fun, laughter, and much banter from each table.
With line honours going to Gnome followed closely by only 3 seconds was Smooth Criminal.
After adjusting handicap times, 1st place went to Greg Hammon (Rossgo), 2nd Iyas Shaheen (Smooth Criminal) and 3rd place Terry Stevens (Matchless). Michael Butler (Mon Jouet) won the Dead Man Fingers Rum.
All in all, it was a very successful day of sailing.
Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Island.
Winning boat Rossgo. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
