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The scheduled day for the DB Regatta, aka ’The Booze Cruise‘, Saturday, 27th June, saw the arrival of TS Nangka. The storm didn’t reach its forecast F7 winds, but was bad enough for us to cancel the Olympic course planned for that morning, even though the medals had already been engraved with Saturday’s date. After a revised briefing in the Bilge Bar at 1130 it was also decided to postpone Race 2 until Sunday. Luckily, Willy and his Whaler were still available to act as Safety boat for the race the following day.
And that’s where things turned nasty on Saturday, as most of the crews remained on station at the verandah of the Bilge Bar to keep and eye on the storm (and drink the prizes). Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to contact Xena‘s crew, who were thus blissfully unaware of the postponement. They performed an impressive sail-by and promptly returned to Causeway Bay (the bottle of rum for her trouble was awarded the next day, ‘In Absentia’... I still have it Peter). Activities at the Bilge Bar ceased about 2100 and wives were generally not happy.
Another briefing was held at 1200 on Sunday, for a 1330 start. No sooner had Willy and his Whaler left the marina with the cans, along with Allegro, acting as Committee Boat, when out of the heavens came the most ferocious squall with associated rain. Willy was only about 200 meters in the lead, but completely out of sight. It looked as though it could be another failed day and unlikely that skippers would choose to sail.
But, in spite of the initial bad weather, the start cans were laid and we were happy to see the members heading out of the marina ready to race. Authority, Boadicea, Bliss, Jura, Kei Lun, Salalah, Vega and Xakanaxa all lined up for the start and ultimately enjoyed fantastic conditions. Unfortunately, visibility from the Committee Boat was not good… but it was great to see the boats coming back around the inside of Peng Chau, preparing for the rounding of the island and the run home. The fleet looked impressive.
The race for first place was hotly contested between Authority and Kei Lun. Vega, Boadicea, Xakanaxa, Jura and Salalah did their best to outmaneuver each other. Bliss had started her motor at this stage. As the fleet re-appeared around the South Eastern side of Peng Chau and raced for the finish, the placings became more obvious. Kei Lun was the clear winner, crossing the line a good eight minutes ahead of Authority. Salalah and Vega tussled for a place, which, as a first time race officer, I was pleased did not result in a protest.
On handicap the race results closely followed the line results, with only a few small changes. Once plugged into the computer (thanks Jan) final results were:
1. Kei Lun
2. Authority
3. Vega
4. Boadicea
5. Salalah
With Xakanaxa, Jura and Bliss retiring during the race.
All crews repaired to the Bilge Bar for prize-giving and drinks, and I hope all enjoyed themselves. I know as a first time RO and race organiser I had a great time and learned a great deal about race starts and race organization, and can only encourage other members to have a go as it is well worth the experience.
I would like to bring to our member’s attention to all the people who helped this event take place:
Firstly I’d like to thank Jim Fernie who walked me through what was required of a race organiser, running an evening course which many keen members attended and gave me a full briefing on race starting flags, whistles, and all the other essential information that goes with starting a race - thanks mate! I’d also like to thank the DBRC who donated the room we used for that briefing at very short notice. A very big Thank You to the DBMC who provided us with a place to hold our race briefings on both days, sponsored the medals and engraving, wine for prizes, and finger-food during the prize-giving. Thanks, David!. iCaramba, Hemingways, and ZAKS were also generous sponsors of the event this year, offering prize vouchers for their fine establishments. I would also like to thank my wife, Jacqui, for helping on the Committee Boat and keeping me company throughout a rainy & windy day at anchor, and Willy without who’s safety boat support, we could not have held the event at all.
And lastly to all the members who came out to race on the day. I know it would have been a lot easier to stay at home, given the conditions, but you did not and I hope you all had a great time as a result!
Chris Hammond
Race Officer and event organiser
DB Regatta 2009
