Two of the more novel NSC social sailing events took place this past Friday eve and Saturday! And despite the threat of poor weather keeping many away till Sunday, this year’s Midnight Madness and HarbourMasters rewarded the eager faithful and astute forecasters with some fun, bonus club sails.
Midnight Madness (Moonlight sailing!): Friday’s nighttime race certainly lived up to its billing short of a maddening mid-point swing in the night breeze. As the pile of happy boats (decorated like Christmas) left harbour, the skies cleared and the stars came out for a beautiful, warm summer night sail. RC’s best guess was for a moderate breeze averaging from the north, and so it was one lap around the well-lit E and A marks in the circle before cruising home.
After a strong reaching start with NE winds, the wind backed initially to the south, then came from everywhere and nowhere simultaneously, dispersing the fleet in search of pressure and the next change. In the end result, the “Cruisers” won out hands down over the “Weeknight Racers” for 2017, demonstrating patience and potentially superior river knowledge by sticking to the left. Our thanks to Race Bosun’s Wynn Davies and John Gardner who orchestrated a great, safe night for all.
Harbourmaster’s Challenge (Big kids in little boats): Strange yellow channel marks, spectators gathered on boats, docks and the deck, the shiftiest, most variable tricky sailing conditions, spills and thrills, mobile obstructions, and a biting running commentary with competitor interviews. It can only be one event, NSC’s (International) Harbourmaster’s Challenge!
This year’s competition featured the return of perennial favourite “Doug Brown” and other past winners, and some game (on the spur) newcomers including Parke Davis who early on put intimate harbour knowledge to good use. In the stretches and corners, the lead changes, covering, and display of boat handling skills was absolutely stellar drawing everyone to watch! After multiple qualifying heats and two semi-finals, it came down to the hard fought medal round. Congratulations to 2017’s podium finishers:
1. Ben Bacque (Multi-huller, “Laras Roc”)
2. Kieran Whalen-Hughes (2016 Winner, “Jalepeno”)
3. Ross Ernst (Insider, “Snoekie”)
Our thanks to volunteers Barbara James (PRO/Chief Judge), Morgan McMillan (Guest Commentator), Christian Plehiers & family (boat rigging), Bosun staff Kieran and Alex and others who stepped in true NSC spirit to make another great afternoon on the deck (and in harbour, literally) all happen.