Roland Smith - Gordon Craig

So everyone arrives at the boat on saturday morning, some before others, except this time with 2 of our number less. Great start that morning saw us second around the day boy and retaining that position for the first half of the race. Couldn't hold it for ever and good reading of the conditions saw Southern Star slip past before Garden Island. Later in the race we had several of the bigger boats slip past but still managed to beat TNF across the line.

Sunday saw another great start, just a pity that the RC called us over and we had to return back before continuing on. A well executed gybe set at the day boy however saw us back in contention with everyone else having done bear aways. Being a predominately downwind race was not in our favor however consistent sailing and no errors saw us finish in such a position that allowed Jaffa to claim the regatta overall.

Main points to remember then are;

• Crew work was excellent.
• Don't stay in Rockingham.
• A bucket and elastic bands are good for tying kites.

Jaffa Crew member gero return

Hi Jaffas

After having a empty feeling after not getting to Gero I had some unfinished business.I put my hand up to do the return onboard Finistere the Davidson 50 a beautiful old boat that still gives the carbon 50 s a push.Joined crew in Gero for a 9.30 am got a great start and was 3 rd around turning can A3 popped for trip out to the beacon before turning south.Seas started to get a bit lumpy and huey thought he would have some fun with the fleet with wind on the nose and the navi saying its going to be a long tough trip well he was right.First casualty was Alfresco who pulled out and went to Dongara smart move as it was hard big seas and slamming off waves constantly would have been hell in a lightweight 36 footer.Next to go was This Way Up who got a little further down the coast and Bailed out a Jurien.By Midnight events were unfolding at the rear of the fleet with Farrago losing its stick and then fouling the prop they were left to drift awaiting a tow from sea rescue into Two Rocks one of my favorite ports on the coast.. anyway after tacking in the early hours of the morning we were in 3 rd spot with only Knee deep and OP in front of us . Well the tack into the shore awaiting the south easterly was a bad move huey strikes again and the breeze stayed south west we went from 10 miles in front of the next factor to 10 miles behind ouch.pushed hard all day Saturday and into sat night this is when the Sled had issues with the rig and pulled out.after a long tack to fairway light and over the finish at 2.10 am Sunday a couple of bundys off to bed as the sun was coming up. a tough trip physically and mentally it would have been interesting if jaffa had made the return

cheers Roody