Visiting yacht crews and member of Sutera Harbour Marina and Golf club can enjoy fun racing on two Tuesdays a month. Initially the idea was based on yacht racing, however due to handicapping difficulties and the fact that many yachts would need to spend time re stowing equipment for a short race the racing take place in dinghies.
I happened to be around last Tuesday and joined up with a dozen yachtsmen and yachtswomen to race in Optimist dinghies. There was a nice breeze and a few waves to make it interesting. At least 4 people had never sailed in an Optimist before and tow of these got into trouble before the start and had to be rescued. A little embarrassing for blue water sailors , but yachts have automatic bilge pumps to keep the water at bay.
The wind and sea conditions contrived to thwart the race when the wing mark drifted away and the first three boat around the windward mark headed directly to the leeward mark, which was the only one in site at the time. The fourth boat saw the rescue boat towing the errant buoy and headed in the right direction taking the lead, leaving the former leaders to chase.
The wind gradually lightened so despite a valiant chase it was of no avail with a 4th place the highest they could climb.
Once the dinghies were stowed everyone gathered together for dinner in the Marina Bar, where prizes were awarded for the top three.
All in all a great evening, just have to do it again in a couple of weeks.
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