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PONANT Friday Twilight



Graeme Smith, skipper of Gail Force writes, 'Coming off a win the previous week, the handicap was not in our favour, however the wind was touching 20 knots in most places of the harbour and we had an exciting evening afloat.

Approaching Christmas can be busy time with end of year work pressures and the ever-continuous schedule of Christmas celebrations. This has left the crew somewhat depleted in recent weeks. Gail Force has been fortunate in attracting a number of sailors from the club crew register and it was with the efforts of Darlia and Alexandra that we were able to achieve best lapse time of the division with a limited crew of modest experience, more than compensated by enthusiasm and having great fun.

After an average start we found good wind in a reach to N2 then worked our way up the harbour, gunnels in the water and enjoying the harbour at its best. The harbour was quite busy which created a few exciting moments, all well handled by the crew. Sow and Pigs created a serious challenge of our skills. Six boats closely positioned, each demanding to exercise their rights and gain every possible advantage on the turn. With remarkable luck, and maybe even a degree of skill, we slipped round the mark with great control passing 3 boats in the manoeuvre.

With skilled efficiency Brad launched a port pole which gave us a smooth and speedy goose wing run into Rose Bay and position us well to round Shark Mark. The wind had dropped on the home run and although well back in the fleet, we enjoyed a few sporting duels as we manoeuvred to gain advantage. In the final 500 metres Gail Force and Shorland edged each other with the lead changing a number of times. Great sailing Shorland, crossing the line 2 seconds ahead of Gail Force.'
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