SEHMYC - South Eastern Hills Model Yacht Club - Paris Creek SA 

Be careful what you wish for!

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If you recall, last year there was a wind drought. We spent countless days commenting on how pretty the reflections were on the pond. It certainly didn't make for exciting racing but we got to brush up on light weather skills. Obviously we wished for more wind.

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This year we got more wind. Bucket loads more wind. At times the wind was so strong that it would have taken the wrinkles out of Camilla Parker-Bowles face. And so we wished for less wind.

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Come the A Class State Title, Adelaide was in the middle of a huge high pressure system and the weather bureau forecast was for 2 knots rising to 7 knots by three P.M. As it turned out, the wind was fairly light to start off with and improved earlier in the day than expected. Quite a few DNFs were recorded as boats were unable to make the cut-off times required as per RRS and the Sailing Instructions.

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The day was deemed a success with particular thanks to :-

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PRO                          Steve Arthur

Vice PRO                  Graham Alcock

Junior Vice PRO      David Draper

Junior Vice PRO      Bob Dare

Chef                          Bob Dare (don't tell his missus)

Caterer                      David Martin

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A big thank you to the 11 (yes, count them, 11) entrants who made for a great day with few if any aggravations. Well done guys.

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Huge congratulations to Tim Arland who took his fifth consecutive State Title with a score of 7 points. His score sheet would have been straight firsts had he not been pipped on Races 1 and 3 which became his discards. Tim has seen fit to retire from State Titles in order to give others a chance to win. Personally I don't agree with this philosophy as I believe that Champions are there to aspire to, learn from, and eventually beat. Tim is certainly a Champion and it is up to him to do as he feels best for himself and the sport. Thanks Tim for the past 5 years of lessons.

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David Martin took second place with 17 points. He was the only sailor to pip Tim Arland in Races 1 and 3. Well done David.

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Bronze was hotly contested by the Whites, per et fils, with fils sneaking ahead. Tony White took third with 21 points from dear old Dad, Peter, on 24 points.

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Fifth place, with 27 points went to Bob Whitehead with his new Gothica. This boat was the youngest design in the fleet and is sure to be a fixture as Bob and the boat get more time together.

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Jeff Watson campaigned a golden oldie to sixth place on 37 points. Shamrock is a 'Foo Fighter' that has been through the hands of Murray Pearce, Don Smith (who loaned her to Ben Morris who won the State Title back in ......), Brian Pennifold, Bob Tuohy, Steve Rosenberg and now Jeff. I think I am correct in saying that all of the previous owners have, at some stage, regretted selling Shamrock. She is the first A Class that I ever sailed and she is as sweet today as she was back then. I think that this title race day is only about the third or fourth time that Jeff has sailed her and so the combination should improve with time.

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Seventh place on 54 points went to Philip Scapens. This was fairly unusual for Philip. Usually he and 'Osprey' are up there giving the podium a shake but today things just didn't fire up.

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Chasing hard up on Osprey was Bob Tuohy and 'Wizzle Wozzle' on 55 points to take eigth place. 'Wizzle Wozzle' was first measured in 1990. Bob only had a quick half day introduction to her before the race day. You can't keep a good boat, or sailor, down.

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One point further back was Bob Watson taking ninth place with 56 points. I don't think Bob was particularly well that day. He was very quiet. VERY quiet. We suspect laryngitis.

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Bobbing around like a ruptured duck, Terry Smith came tenth with 57 points. A lack of 'water time' and some last minute changes ensured that I sailed with a total lack of elan, except for the first leg of the first race. Maybe I should have quit while I was ahead.

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Brian Pennifold rounded out the fleet in eleventh place with 84 points. It wouldn't be the same without Brian there. To me he is Mr A Class having introduced me to them by letting me have a sail of 'Shamrock' all those years ago. He had me hooked and they remain my primary love amongst the ARYA approved classes.

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I thank all officials, workers, competitors and spectators for making it a good day.