Sept. - Oct. 2011 - The Coastal Passage Home Page

RACING
ON
RUBY
On one of the days after the 30ts abated
we were struggling in the lighter airs so
we put up some 'water sails' these are the
headsails stretched under the booms to
give an extra push, we also set an MPS
between the mizzen and mainmast, we
went from 5kts to 7.5's so it did help!
Cheers, Jon
By Keith Owen of Speranza
When you hear of the Hamilton Island Race Week from us, you can be
forgiven for thinking of son Matthew and his chartered Sydney 36 Local Hero.
But this year, it was us, yes, the Speranza mob, who also competed in this
prestigious event. But not on Speranza rather on the pearling lugger, Ruby
Charlotte. It was a fantastic experience.
Jon and Liz had secured some sponsorship for Race Week and kindly invited
us to crew on a couple of races. Now, in the past, our big boat racing has been
on high-tech craft with all the latest gear. On this occasion, Jon had to teach us
the intricacies of raising a gaff rig and how to sheet sails using belaying pins
(no self-tailing winches here!) Heavy work but very satisfying particularly on
windy days where we flew the big balloon jib and sheeted it home using a
“handy billy” (aka a block and tackle).
There was a terrific crew on board. The brains trust(?) disported themselves on
cushioned wicker lounges on the aft deck. The mast and foredeck crew used a
more utilitarian couch amidships when not hauling on lines and setting sails.
We even had a real live doctor (and two on the second day!) on board to
ensure our safety, both good sailors, and their doctoring skills luckily were only
needed to advise on which type of beer to consume. Just a great team of
beaut people whose company we really enjoyed.
The first race was the Lindeman Island Race. We were quite the centre of
attention at the start with the Channel 7 TV crew taking considerable footage.
After getting away well, we headed out to sea. A close-hauled yacht Ruby is
not, she tacks through about 120 plus degrees. So the afterguard decided that
to tack between Shaw and Lindeman Islands would take forever. We therefore
completed our very own Pentecost Island Race and came first! Sadly, of
course, this was not acknowledged by the Race Committee.
The next day was pretty breezy and the course took us on a broad reach/run.
Ruby just flew along under her big sails. Superb sailing. At the end it took
quite a few tacks to cross the finish line, but all in all it was a tremendous race,
a great credit to Jon and the crew.
So, many, many thanks Liz and Jon for allowing us to be part of the fun!