Race Report.
Following the Tropical Cyclone Yagi which meant the first day of the regatta was lost the fleet woke up to grey skies and a slowly building breeze that meant racing could get away on time. It was definitely the start of the season as all the crews were reminding themselves of the jobs they should have done over the summer break and it was like the first day back to school with new sails appearing on some of the fleet!
Two races both to count would decide the winner of the opening regatta of the 2024/25 season. With 12 Etchells on the water it was set to be a challenging day with strong tides, shifting breeze and rain squalls all to be dealt with.
The fleet got away at the first attempt of race 1 and it was a quick tack for all as all the fleet headed off on port to SKW following a 20% shift moments before the start, 1457 started at the committee boat end and were looking good but quickly got over hauled by Marty Kaye helming 1458 and 1193 Mark Yeadon both showed great pace and being furthest right they were always getting the breeze first and extending. They rounded the top mark first with 1364 King of The Pin Frank Van Kempen just behind then 1502 Nick Burns and 1457 Richie Allen. Downwind the front three extended and a good battle was being had between 1502, 1406 Mei Han Cheung and 1457. Rounding E2 then back up to SKW the fleet closed up again as it was a case of trying to avoid the light spots which littered the race track, 1458 held the lead but 1364 were closing them down and with the long run to Dock buoy there were some decisions to make left or right, the left seemed to pay and certainly this saw 1502 jump away from the pack and close up with the leaders, with a short beat to the finish 1364 just squeezed past 1458 to take first and 1502 managed to catch 1193 to finish 3rd. 1457 also jumped back with a flyer to Kai Tak bring some rewards allowing them to finish 5th.
The fleet was well spread out but everyone seemed to enjoy the race despite the tricky conditions.
Race 2 followed just after another rain storm which had many of the crews tucked away under the cuddy’s for protection and again the breeze slowly built from 6-8 knots. The start saw the fleet split with 1457 leading the majority of the fleet out to the left but 1502 and 1406 went to the island wall and as the fleet converged half way up the beat 1502 just crossed ahead of 1457. 1457 managed to get past 1502 at the top mark and rounded first with 1502 close behind followed by 1458, it was the same course and 1457 and 1502 were crossing gybes looking for the pressure but again 1502 got the better of 1457 and rounded E2 in the lead. The wind then completely faded and many boats were becalmed trying to find any puff there was. 1502 again, it can’t just be luck, found the breeze first and with constant tacks up the middle of the harbour extended away to a sizeable lead and rounded SKW well ahead which they held to the finish to win convincingly. 1458 followed and pulled clear of the pack in the tricky condition to finish second with 1458 third. 1364 had a bit of a shocker and finished 6th with 1406 sailing consistently taking 4th.
A tricky day but a good start to the season saw the win of the Opening Regatta go to the ever young Nick Burns and his crew on 1502.
Results
Autumn Regatta 2024
Division: Etchells
Place Name Skipper Club 1 2 3 Points
Etchells
1 Gunga Din (EHKG1502) nick burns RHKYC ABD 3 1 4
2 Madness (EHKG1458) Charlie Manzoni RHKYC ABD 2 3 5
3 King of the Pin (EHKG1364) Frank van Kempen RHKYC ABD 1 6 7
4 China Girl (EHKG1457) Richie Allen / Simon Watson RHKYC ABD 7
5 Diva Deux (EHKG1193) MARK YEADON RHKYC ABD 459
6 Meihem (EHKG1406) Mei Han Cheung RHKYC ABD 64 10
7 Good Thing (EHKG1339) Matthew Phillips RHKYC ABD 7 7 14
8 Alamak (EHKG1269) Jonathan Wong RHKYC ABD 8 8 16
9 Are We There Yet (EHKG1358) Rene Theil RHKYC ABD 9 9 18
10 Five5Five (EHKG1051) Thomas Armistead RHKYC ABD 11 10 21
11 Battler (EHKG903) Isaac Lau/ Hugo Tse RHKYC ABD 10 11 21
12 Rookie (EHKG787) Nicoletti / Seah RHKYC ABD 13 13 26
Thanks to the race officer and team who got the races away in challenging conditions and the sponsors of the regatta BMW for the prizes.
Written by Richard Allen, China Girl (EHKG1457)
Credits: Photography by Guy Nowell Photography.
Etchells fleet on the water.
Etchells 1st Place went to Nick Burns and his crew on HKG1502 - Gunga Din.
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