The inaugural Discovery Bay Regatta was planned to consist of a series of three races over the weekend of 25-26 September. However, Race 3, the Round the Islands race, had to be cancelled due to Tropical Storm Cam and was re-staged on 14 November 1999.
Unfortunately, on this occasion, the winds were too light and the start had to be delayed until a gentle south-easterly developed. A fleet of thirteen yachts then started a slow uphill battle toward the windward mark. That is, twelve yachts started and met the thirteenth, a Dragon newly acquired and christened Miss D, coming in the opposite direction. They had been using their own, imaginary start line between the ODM and the windward mark and eventually started well behind the pack. This may have proved a good tactic, though, as the front pack were severely headed on starboard by a current as strong as their way and had little room or speed to tack into it. Bear Necessity (formerly Great Escape) tried it, but picked up a protest as she barged through the rest of the fleet. Many others were forced to jibe out of the predicament, as the wind dropped again to a zephyr.
Shockwave, winner of the first two races of the series, was first to the mark but touched as she was carried on to it by the surprisingly strong current. Blue Phoenix II followed suit and the pair pirouetting undoubtedly made a pretty site from Rigel‘s deck as she rounded the mark safely and was the first to head for Kau Yi Chau.
Options on the next leg included reaching clear of Peng Chau and Kau Yi Chau or beating tight under the islands to avoid the worst of the current. The latter tactic seemed to be working for Seajay until the breeze collapsed and the current took control once again. The leading four boats managed to scrape around Kau Yi Chau at this time, leaving the rest to beat frustratingly backwards. Most retired, but after almost two hours of effort, Rigel also made it round and chased after the leaders, who by now had rounded Sunshine Island and Hei Ling Chau and were in sight of the finish.
Miss D, making an excellent recovery from the start line confusion, took line honours four minutes ahead of Soko. Shockwave took third, followed by Bear Necessity and Rigel was the last to finish some two hours later. Adjustments for HKPN did not affect the final placing, so the new owner of Miss D, J P Jensen, swept all the prizes except one. The special DBYC ‘Rear End’ Trophy was awarded to Wolf Duehring of Rigel for his tenacity and perseverance rounding Kau Yi Chau. To finish last, admittedly – but eight of the thirteen starters did not even manage that!
The Discovery Bay Marina Club was again primary sponsor of the event and provided the ‘Round the Islands’ Challenge Cup and medals, the Champagne and Erdinger beer. Cerveza Sol International and UK Sailmakers also furnished products for the prizegiving. Race marshals Nita and Andy Kung manned the Committee Boat with their For Play.
Well done to all for persevering in very difficult and frustrating conditions!
Anyone interested in the new Discovery Bay Yacht Club or future cruising/racing events to be staged from Discovery Bay should contact us at info@dbyc.net.
