Buckingham Marine Services skipper Daniel Turner experienced a pivotal moment during Saturday’s club championship heat. Amidst a forecast of heavy winds and potential thunderstorms, 26 out of 27 boats opted for small rigs. However, Turner and his crew hesitated, ultimately switching to small rig just as former sheethand Paul McKenzie appeared in the rigging park, urging them to go big. Turner credited this encounter as a significant influence on their decision, stating, “Sometimes in life someone sends you a little signal and ours was Paul walking through the park right then.”
BMS’s decision to switch to a big rig proved successful as they finished 7 minutes and 53 seconds ahead of the runner-up, Balmain, marking one of the most decisive victories in recent club history. Balmain, helmed by Zoe Dransfield, secured second place despite facing tough competition from the all-star crew on Imagine Signage, featuring Olympic medallists Nathan Wilmot, Mal Page, and Tom Slingsby, who finished third.
Red Pumps Red was in contention for a podium finish but was disqualified after rounding a changed mark incorrectly. Queens of Buckingham, led by Fiona Harris, earned the handicap honours. Turner reflected on their risky decision, noting the potential for big rigs to win big races while acknowledging the inherent risks associated with such moves.
BMS now leads the overall standings by three points, having won two of the first three heats. Their closest competitor, Imagine Signage, trails along with Balmain, Employment Hero, and Canberra Airport rounding out the top five. BMS also tops the handicap series pointscore, followed by Geochemical Assessments and Aluxor Awning System.
In the 13s, three female skippers dominated the race, with Modern Concept Constructions (Tayla Lees, Ash Napper) finishing first, followed by Botany Scaffold (Rosa Crawford, Ewan Darlow) and Cadence & Co (Zara Wyatt, Harvey Windust). Modern Concept Constructions leads the overall pointscore after three races, with Cadence and Co, Harken, and Botany Access closely contesting for the following positions.
The club championship will continue on November 28.
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