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DBYC Results: Soko Islands Rally

What a great weekend. Successful too, given the two main aims:

1. Have a fun race down there to overnight in the Soko’s, and
2. Draw attention to possible ruin of these beautiful islands. 

Second point first - yesterday’s SCMP article won’t hurt the cause, even with some of the more important facts in error, from our perspective. The Rally was coordinated by the DBYC, not the DB Marina - they are different! Why is that so difficult to hoist aboard?

The header "Pupils write to CE urging action on pollution, whilst sailors fight clean-energy plan" wasn’t exactly a beacon of clarity either - thanks Raymond. The Rally was not ‘anti-LNG’, far from it. We just don’t want the Sokos ruined for the sake of expediency, when a practical (but perhaps more expensive) alternative exists at Black Point. Amazing how an argument can be twisted, though…

As for enjoying the weekend in the Soko Islands - mission accomplished! The break in the previous week’s appalling weather arrived as forecast, although winds proved too fluky for the heavier boats to complete the race down there. The light NE’ly resulted in a windward mark directly up-tide of the start, abeam Peng Chau. Wizard took about 30 mins to round the mark, then raced off down tide, only to be overtaken by a string of boats retiring and motoring direct to the party. A number also motored though the holes and enjoyed a sail in stronger breezes beyond Hei Ling Chau, but in the end there were only three left racing. The wind died again to a zephyr, the tide turned foul, and they still raced. The 1500 hrs cut-off came and went, yet still they raced! Wizard finally finished at Tau Lo Chau at 1643 hrs (a 6 hr race), followed by Authority and Kolwezi, tussling to the end. Well done to the crews on all three, for battling right to the finish.

Prizes of well-stocked ice-boxes were awarded under the stars on the beach later that evening, together with prizes for Line Honours, first on handicap at the half-way club mark (both Wizard) and, of course, not forgetting the ‘Rear End Trophy’, which was awarded on merit. A very public main halyard ‘dump’ at the start, was rewarded by the very highest marks from the judges, and only the unseemly squabbling over who should receive the toilet seat marred otherwise perfect 10’s. The boat’s name shall, of course, remain anonymouss.

Good to see several ABC boats joining the fun. We definitely hope to cooperate more along these lines in the future, supporting each other’s events and ‘padding’ race entries. Note, their Classic Yacht Regatta is scheduled for 13/14 May. It’s open to all boats and involves an overnight at Tai Tam Bay - contact mbs@abclubhk.com for details. The ABC has also offered to host us for an overnight (with lamb spit) at Middle Island, now that they have their new pontoons in place there. Fancy that?

Sunday’s return pursuit race was arranged by the ABC, but again very light airs plagued the start, run by their committee boat, China Red. Suffocating heat, hangovers and the threat of mutiny resulted in a number of early retirements, with many boats motoring straight for Cheung Chau for some shade and a long lunch. Others battled on, and were rewarded an hour later by the arrival of a sea breeze that allowed the front four boats to stretch their lead. Kolwezi took well-earned Line Honours and first place at Cheung Chau rock, with seconds separating the chasing boats The Farr Side, Thea and then Rosemary over the line. On points, that must give Kolwezi, a Beneteau Oceanis 461, unofficial first place overall for the Soko Islands Rally - not bad for twin-crew, Bruce & Michelle Flavel, both supposedly new to yacht-racing!

Our thanks as always, to the volunteers who helped put the event together, including David Wilson (Race Chairman), Andy Kung (Start Officer), Mark MacDonald (Race Officer aboard Dalliance, and general taxi-driver), William Wright (Safety & Support boat), as well as all the owners who brought their tenders to assist the invasion of N Soko beach. Also to our sponsors, who generously stocked the prize-boxes: The Beer Bay, Cervesa Sol and the DB Marina Club. Last, but not least, thanks to Tristan Stewart at the ABC, Richard Carrey at the LBC, Richard Winter at LIM, and Ian Corby at Seafari for coordinating the entries and the press, thus raising the plight of the Soko Islands to the public arena.

Please send your photos soonest, as the best will be used for various articles being written on the subject - burn a disc, if you have lots.

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