Team claims double victory as club enjoy first races of wet season

BROOME Sailing Club members had an exhilarating start to the season when they held their first ever race during the wet season.

On Sunday, November 25, four boats left Gantheaume Point in a momentous race series.

The breeze was a pleasant 22.2km/h to 25.9km/h which built to a little more than 27.8km/h with a building, lumpy swell.

John Dayman and Caroline Diss competed in their 470, Alex Tiverios and Meika Wright on the catamaran, Gary Harding by himself in the pacer and Loi Odore on the laser.

After two capsizes before the start of the first race, from Odore who was getting a handle on the tricky sailing of a laser, all boats started on time and were away. It was fast racing and Odore experienced some exciting times with another six capsizes in the first race.

He was exhausted by the second.

Over the line, Tiverios’ cat was first home, followed by the 470 and Harding in the pacer.

Knowing this, he was going to do well on the yardstick handicap which is what the series will be decided on over the coming months.

So after yet another capsize from Odore on the laser, all boats finally started a shorter second race as the breeze had risen a few knots.

As the cat was late to the start this time, after a very close start by the remaining three boats, the 470 jumped to the lead and was never headed.

Revelling in the heavier conditions and without even using the spinnaker, the 470 was a clear winner over the line for the second race.

Harding and Odore, having had enough half way through the second race, headed back to Gantheaume beach.

Tired and wet, all back on the beach with minimal fuss, a great day’s sailing was had by all who agreed this wet season sailing was going to be some of the best sailing we have had by the club.

Breeze and seas to play in make it so much more fun to be out there enjoying the real gusts Broome has to offer.

On the handicap yardstick, both races went to the Dayman 470 and, as predicted, pacer Harding was hot on their heels.

BSC races will be held once a month until next April.