Sharpie Report

By Craig Mann:

Reger Dominates again.
With the Great Man Hips back on board Five was in full flight and streeted the field. With a 30 second lead at the first mark they added to that each leg to win by a little over five minutes.
Tony Johnston got his Wise Magic back on the water with daughter Wendy sailing sheethand and Moona in the bow as usual. They had blistering boat speed off the line and until a couple of untidy kite drops mid way through the race looked good. This could be a dangerous combination at next weeks States it the breezes are light to moderate. The Dogs ventured over the bridge to have a sail on the wide part of the river and were on song straight off the start line to be third at Club close behind Wise Magic. Cowrock and Impact were hot on their tails. The Breeze was fresh so we on Imact discussed two sailing and see how the angles looked. Every one other than Wise Magic was doing the same thing. However it was not long before we all had kites on and blasting down to Addison. Reger and the boys disapeeared however the next six legs were good close racing between Wise Magic, The Dogs, Impact and Cowrock. The 3 Liddle Pigs retired mid race as did Mainie after some kite problems. The placings for the minor placing changed several times with the Dogs staying ahead of Wise Magic, Cowrock and Impact. A poor drop at Addison the last time cost Wise Magic some time and Cowrock and Impact got past on the beat into South of Perth YC. Impact capitalised on a poor kite set from Cowrock at Robin and managed to pass and open up a 15 second lead by Quarry. The Dogs had been some 60 or so seconds in front of Cowrock at Robins but hit the piss while dropping the kite at Quarry. This let in Impact and Cowrock to fight out second and third spot. In the end Reger was a clear leader from Impact, Cowrock, The Dogs and Wise Magic.

With the States next week it is hard to see anyone challenging the dominance of Reger, Bryant and the Great Man. Some say Hips is already planning heading home on Monday morning as the trophy will be in the bag by then. I will try to post some results as we go next week.

Sharpies

By Craig Mann:
After December and January was spent drinking, getting fatter most of the Sharpies have just started back on the water to prepare for this year’s States at Mandurah over the Labour Day long weekend. What better way to roll the arm over with Veterans skippers day. With a hundred or so old farts up in the bar telling stories on how good they used to be 9 old farts including a couple of ring-ins hit the water to steer a Sharpie around a few laps of the bay. Leading the charge was that self confessed Hero Laurie Chivers barking orders to Tim Reger. After two hours of wiggling and 3 bottles of baby oil later he slipped into the 1981 Flouro wet suit, front zip and all. What a site looked like he had not only packed in the lunch box but included a double door fridge with ice maker. Rube Gabrielson was on the wood of son Ash Gayboys boat Vita Brevis which still is no match for the Phantom of some 40 years ago and who needs those big kites a flattie was much quicker. Bill Quinn (three Liddle Pigs) made his regular appearance both on the water and in the bar with great distinction. Gordon Mac dragged another of the talented McKerchers, Mal out and may have found a bit of speed in the process. Cow Rock dragged Warren Keating out for a spin and showed were Conner’s talent stems from. Bryan Howells was took an unnamed boat for a spin with an unnamed crew bring the boat back in one piece so the owner will be none the wiser. God only knows who sailed Magic Bus but he did not look like a veteran. Kim Taylor had Black Sun on the water and buy all rights should have lead the field. Orville Roberts jumped on Impact as our skipper was stuck in the bar on his 15 middy by race time. Orv has not steered a boat for nearly 30 years and it is easy to see why. As a crew his hands are full and usually can only manage a couple of cans a race. Well with only a rudder to pull on that opens up a lot of drinking time. Needless to say the dozen cans he took were all but gone mid way through the race.

Chivers nailed the start as always, Kim Taylor barged his way in and was lucky not to take the bow off Impact, effectively stuffing there start. Anyway the Pelican it was Chivers by a couple of boat lengths to Black Sun and Impact. The McKerchers and Cow were not far behind making for good close racing. Bryan Howell and the boys were try to work out which string did what and where lagging behind, Rube Gabrieson was battling away on the Vita Brevis rocket with little success. He was convinced Phantom would have been quicker. In the End Chivers on Five limped over the line 50 seconds in front of Impact (Orville Roberts), Kim Taylor (Black Sun) Warren Keating (Cow Rock), Mal McKercher, Billy Quinn, Rube Gabrielson, Magic Bus and Bryan Howells.

Of course many more stories and lies were told on the lawn and in the bar afterwards. Maggie Downing handed out the winners Pennants and a few Kisses after.
The bell was rung by several skippers along with the starter Andy Curnow for a slight hiccup with the start sequence.

Labour Day long weekend the Sharpies are down at Mandurah for the 08/09 State Championships. Tim Reger has dominated proceedings so far this year and will start a very short priced favorite. Vern Tidy has punted on light weather and installed a light weight wireman, Keysie is looking to go one better than last year’s second and become to oldest winner in living memory. The new Team Vicious are sailing well as is the ever green Graham Hill. With a bit of luck 15 plus boats will be on the water and we survive the 7 races over 3 days. Sharpie sailing is easy it is the Après sailing that takes its toll.