Hi all,
last weekend I sailed in a new event at McCrae Y.C. The event was set up by Yachting Victoria to allow them to have one Catamaran Champion across all classes. Using VYC Yardstick and 3 different sized courses for 3 different yardstick groupings, then applying some unknown formula, allowed then to announce a overall winner at presentation at the end of the event. With Glenn Ashby crewing for Darren Bundock a New South Welshman being ineligible, the winner was Dave Brewer on a A class.
Whatever you may think of the system, it was a well deserved win. Seven races in 2 days around a course comprising of 2 triangles and 2 windward and returns, with wind between 10 and 25 kts. in rough conditions, was a true test of sailors.
The individual Division Winners where much clearer. Div 1. Yardstick less than 77. Was won by Tornado, Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby they where awesome! with the Tornado obviously enjoying the rough and windy conditions, A classes where 2,3,4th. by far the largest class numbering 18 strong. Taipan 4.9 cat rig was 5th. with 8 in the fleet plus 2 sloops. Hobie Tiger was 6th. F18 Capricorn was 7th. with 2 others in fleet. F16 Oneup "Altered" was 18th. That covers all the classes in this 34 boat Division.
Division 2 Yardstick 77.5 to 87.5, was won by Mick Floyd Mosquito cat rig, a ex class state champ who enjoyed the strong winds with Tim Sheppard Mosquito cat rig with spin. 2nd. not being able to make full advantage of the spin. in the strong winds especialy on the triangles. A Hobie 16 was third. Mosquito varieties made up 9 of the 15 boat fleet with the rest a variety of Hobies.
Division 3 Yardstick 88 and above, sadly only had one competitor a Arrow sailed by Ian Champion, but this didn't stop him sailing well as he placed 23rd. out of the total fleet of 50.
Full Results. http://www.yachting.org.au/site/yachting/results/mccraeyc/0506/events/index.htm
Altered was the only F16, racing off a Yardstick of 71.5 the combination of strong winds and 2 triangles per race didn't allow me to take advantage of the spinnaker much. In fact I think there where only 2 races out of the 7 that I was able to use the main downwind, the rest of the time it was pulled in tight stalled, so I could use the kite to keep the bows up. 
Major achievment for the weekend was probably, only capsizing once . 
Oh well have to wait for the next regatta to show them Altered's transoms.
The Mosquito's with and without spinnaker results overall where interesting in light of recent discussions, placing just behind Taipan 4.9 cat rig who has also been a class state champ. So maybe there is not much wrong with the VYC Yardsticks? 
Regards Gary. 
G'day Gary,
Who was steering?? Glenn or Darren. Was the T Glenn's new boat.??
Looks like you were given a hiding??. Interesting thought the results were very tight at the front. What do you think of the 71.5 yardstick.??
BTW we have one set of Blade f16 hulls steamed & ready for frames etc.
Are you sailing at the go for gold regatta.?? 99% sure the Blade 18 will be there, just dont know who will be sailing it yet.!!?? Might see you there.?
Regards
Marcus
Hi Marcus,
good to hear from you. Sure you have been busy sailing new F18 Blade and bulding F16.
How did new Blade F18 sail?
Would love to catch up with you at Go For Gold, but I am not sure I can compete, I understand it is for Olympic and invited classes only. 
Will you be sailing in Goolwa Meningie race 19/11, what is the race like? Looks like a decent length event, like Marlay Point?
Darren was steering T, I believe it was Glenn's new boat, certainly had a huge trailer covered in Ashby Logo's. Funnily enough when Glenn, Darren and Greg where giving a talk on Saturday night I put them on spot, asking if Glenn was going to get a steer on Sun. as boat was entered in his name. The reply was he was going to skipper but he didn't 
Maybe it was because of strong winds?
Still working on Yardstick don't know for sure where it should be Still managed to beat a World Champion over the weekend though Rohan Veal, sailing an A, in fact in one race he commented we where never more than 50 m. apart. It was a good laugh actualy as he caught up to me on reaches he was yelling for me to pull the kite up, just wanted to see me tip over so he could pass I didn't give him the satisfaction. It wasn't realy a fair race though, I must be at least 20kg. heavier a big advantage in those conditions.
Regards Gary.
Gary,
Goolwa - Meningie is the first race of our traveller series this season.
The series will attract most of the classy cats from SA & we are hoping to build the fleets back up over the next few years.
If you look on whereis.com & type in Goolwa or Meningie, you will see that the race would start in the murray near the murray mouth & head towards Clayton & Point Sturt, we go across the edge of Lake Alexandrina towards Nerung & thru a small channel & out the otherside to Lake Albert & blast towards Meningie. By road (the long way)its about 120km, but racing distance could be about 45-55km.?? Darryl might have more accurate figures. The race record is about 2 hrs & 2min ( windsurfer). Closest cat record is 2hrs & 15min set by a T 10 years ago. Races can vary from 2hrs up to 7 hours depending on conditions.
If you come over, either bring a driver to deliver your car & trailer to Meningie or we could arrange a driver or you could put your F16 on top of the F18 & we will transport back for you.
There is a few logistics, but well worth while.
We pray for a 15knot NW breeze each year & this year we could be lucky, your F16 would relish.
I have your mobile phone number & will give you a call over the next few days.
Regards
Marcus
Hi Gary,
The Goolwa to Meningie is one really "classic" race! It is what I have always referred to as “a true sailors race”.
It gives enormous satisfaction to any one who participates in it (and finishes), let alone wins. It has never been an “easy” sail, as it always test the sailors, one way or another, to their max’, but very well worth the venture.
All the sailers who compete in it, and finish, are sailers who have the strongest commitment to sailing/racing, that is why I think that, although it is well attended, it has never attracted the type of numbers that the Milang to Goolwa or the Goolwa to Milang have (it tends to really separate out the chaff from the grain). Both of those races, although both great races, aren’t any where near as challenging as the Goolwa to Meningie, so although there are less numbers that sail this race, the guys that are in it are usually the “top end” of the talent.
Its location makes it one of the closest for you to come over for, and we would love to see you here. Besides we will have an F14 out there for you to see at close range (only the transoms though).
Darryl
Hi Marcus and Darryl,
sounds very tempting. I love the challenge of sailing in a new location, have always enjoyed passage/ distance races. But then it's a long way to come for one race . Will have to way it all up and get back to you.
Of course it's also difficult to not respond to Darryl's subtle dig . I have the pride of Victorians and F16's worlwide to defend 
. Looking at F14 transoms 
no way! Only a croweating catamaran sailor with a length inferiority complex could suggest such a thing .
Regards Gary.
I noticed that "challenge" as well, but I'm unable to pick up the gauntlet as I would have to traverse 3 oceans to do so. So yes indeed Gary, you are the one to defend out honour ! You'll have my full metnal support !
Wouter
The Goolwa to Milang "classic" is, in my opinion Gary, worth ANY other 4 race regattas, and believe me when I say that after you sail it it feels like you have sailed a whole series event.
Challenge? challenge?: what challenge? it would be a forgone conclusion! Why we would even "slow" down so that you could follow us and not get lost! (were just "nice" sort of guys here in SA and at least WE know how to play Ausie' rules football, unlike those "Vic' also rans" over the border).
Hi Marcus and Darryl,
I won't make it this weekend. Thanks very much for the hospitable invitation . Just to many things in the way.
I will get to S.A. this season sometime I assure you, Darryl will just have to wait to show me F14 transoms.( As he tows boat to event and I follow him 
Nice of him to say he would slow down so I could follow). That is what you meant isn't it Darryl?????????????
Hope to see Marcus at Go for Gold I will call in to say hello I hope.
Regards Gary.