Wooden boats steal the show as Etchells are left without wind

There was no racing in Geelong today for day two of the Etchells Victorian State Championship brought to you by Rex Gorell Ford, as fickle and light breezes prevailed and the Race Committee were forced to call the day at 1500 local time. 

AP flag on start boat. The top of Etchells behind the boat.
Practice starts while under AP. Pic – Nic Douglass @sailorgirlhq

“We called it off at 1500, because there was no breeze. It was an interesting day, we went out early and had 10 knots at 10 o’clock but we couldn’t start a race before 1255,” said Race Officer, Kevin Wilson. 

“It was just a very frustrating day, but ultimately we believe we did the best things by the racers,” he continued. 

The brilliant volunteer team, headed by Kevin Wilson as RO and Ross Wilson on the pin backed by the team from Royal Geelong Yacht Club ran practice starts for the competitors to make the most of their time while we waited for wind, but it wasn’t to be. 

Fleet sailing upwind.
The fleet enjoying practice racing. Pic – Nic Douglass @sailorgirlhq

“We would not have wanted to come away from today having sailed a race that everyone thought was a raffle. With a changed schedule for tomorrow we know there will be fair racing for this championship,” finished Kevin. 

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival, however, had a stunning day on the waters of Corio Bay and completely stole the show, and the hearts of not only the sailors, but many visitors and locals to the Geelong area. 

People on board a wooden boat sailing in light winds.
Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Pic – Nic Douglass @sailorgirlhq

Racing for the Etchells will continue tomorrow, with a change of schedule to allow for three races with a 0955 warning signal with the hope of completing the series. 

The results stand from yesterday, Shoulda Gone Left AUS1395 skippered by Robin Deussen, with David Snoad and Jesse Mitton lead by just two points after the two races on day one over Tango AUS1466, Chris Hampton, Sam Haines and Barney Walker. 

For the results, see: https://topyacht.net.au/results/rgyc/2022_Etchells_Victorian_Title/2022_etchells/SGrp1.htm?ty=97341

By Nic Douglass

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JPK August 2023
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