Interclub - 2021

DF65 Interclub Series R1, March 6, 2021, Springfield Lakes

Well, the racing year is off to a flying start with the first of the inter-club series held at Springfield Lakes on Saturday, in what can only be called fairly good condition for our venue. The winds were reasonably good most of the day from the East to South East, with some variation in strength and direction, but thar’s Springfield.

It was great to have a fleet of 20 boats on the lake again, a bit like old times, and hopefully a sign of the future. We were particularly pleased to not only have 7 skippers from PRYC but 2 from our new friends from Raby Bay, and with a volunteer from SLMM in Ian Gordon to make up the necessary 3 man club team. The rest of the fleet was from SLMM.

It happens to be one of the most memorable days in inter-club racing, for the good natured atmosphere, and the close racing, with most if not all penalties done voluntarily. Some of the finishes were incredibly close and the winner a few times pipped the race leader on the finish line.

The first race was over 2 laps, but because the start was from the leeward end of the course and the finish line was the top marks at the windward end, the course was a bit long for races that might have less wind. So, the starting line was the same but the course was a beat to windward, a downwind the gate which was half of the wider starting line, then another beat to the windward marks as a finish line, a lap and a half. Under that format we were able to get in 18 races for the day.

As we have all come to realise, and John Heard made these remarks, these events only have success due to the willingness of the volunteers that help run the events. So, thanks to Ian Ashe for his RO duties today, he did a fine job. Thanks also to David Black for his tireless efforts in scoring the event with the assistance of Shelley Heard and Norm Gough calling the finish positions. Ian Geary  was manning the rescue Kayak and had a couple of calls for help, apart from altering the course marks prior to the start of the day. Also a big thank you to Ipswich City Council for supplying the portable toilet for the day and Marty Wallace for liaising with the council and playing a major part in this happening.

 Mike Jefferys was in his usual good form, but as John Heard said in his closing remarks, the pack is improving and is after Mike. I am sure Mike will make it a tough as possible. There were 5 others that had wins, John Heard (2), Scott Rudd (2), Marty Wallace (3), John Daley (1) and Bob McKinnon (1). Well done guys.

First 3 positions: Mike Jefferys 28, Scott Rudd 60, Ian Robertson 72.

Conditions were absolutely fantastic for the final race of the 2021 Interclub Dragonforce 65 championships held at Springfield Lakes and hosted by Springfield Lakes Radio Yacht Club on 27 November 2021

There was a cool  5-10 km south easterly breeze to greet the 25 registered entries from three clubs competing, namely the Springfield Lakes Radio YC, Paradise Radio YC (Gold Coast)  and Redlands Radio YC (Redlands)

 This is a great community event with over 100 locals watching and representatives of the council watching the close racing …. with the main comment being “this is unbelievably entertaining to watch”…. most people thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful Queensland weather and scene on the lake as 25 boats competed in this prestige event

Whilst 25 boats registered, this is a club teams event with the first three highest points calibrated to calculate each club final score…..  the overall point score for the 3 the clubs is totalled and the winning club awarded the perpetual trophy….currently held by PRYC

Today local knowledge and conditions favoured the Springfield Radio YC club members with the final results for the series

1st Springfield Lakes

2nd Paradise

3rd Redlands

We had a huge variety of sailors from Australian and international champions to beginners who participated on the day in particular we had six different winners namely Mike, Marty, David, Daniel, Scott and John ….16 of the top place getters achieved fifth place or better in the individual races showing how close and how competitive the day was.

A real symbol of the comradery and friendship in this strict one design class was the example demonstrated by the friendly competitive behaviour …..sailors were keen to be inclusive …help…share gear ….friendships and fun day led by the volunteers and a great organising committee

Congratulations to Mike,  Marty and David who took podium positions today and  well done to the  terrific achievement of all competitors

None of these events happen without the efforts of the organizing club and committee…the event was superbly organised by SLRYC’s John Heard  and Ian Lobley with Ron Fawcett acting as race officer. Ron was assisted by Shelley Heard, Ian Watson and Patrick Collins and David Black on the scoring. Also thanks to Bryan Jones for manning the rescue boat and Norm Gough for looking after the finances and buying the vital sausages and drinks. Thanks also to Tom and Lis Larsen for helping with the BBQ. Importantly, the course was set brilliantly by Ron and Ian Ashe who commented how enjoyable it was to watch the close the racing.

Noteworthy performances on the day included Mike Jefferys picking up 7 firsts, Marty Wallace and David Brundson with 2 firsts each and Danial Bergan, Scott Rudd and John Daily for winning a race each….David who is a standing member of the QRYA commented …"this is one of the first times I have sailed in this class and extremely impressed with the sharing of knowledge ….which seldom happens in the other classes…I feel I have joined a class which I am loving being a part of ….so much fun and enthusiasm”

It was a day which amplified very close racing  ….matching  the latest America’s cup challenge series….. so  well done to all competitors  …John Heard commented  “the racing, sportsmanship and organisation was first class “... with visiting clubs taking 3rd and 4th positions on the day …. Ron Fawcett the PRO also commented “Racing was close with the lead changing regularly”  .

A big thanks goes to our Ipswich Council who provided toilet facilities and Springfield Club Volunteers providing lunch and refreshments

Overall individual results

Mike Jefferys (SLRYC)                                                1st

Marty Wallace  (SLRYC)                                                  2nd

John Daley (PRYC) and Ian Robertson (SLRYC)           3rd

 See Race 7 Video Here