Fall Series - Race 2026-09-19

Contrary to the weatherperson’s opinion we had plenty of wind to fill our sails today. We raced all the way from Willingdon Beach to the mill mark and back, a total distance of 2 nautical miles and most of the seven boats entered finished in under two hours.

The start was complicated as the wind hadn’t yet decided from which way to blow. Bring Ice guessed correctly and got off to a good lead. Balderdash, Una and Kukuna eventually followed suit as the wind steadied itself from the west. Kukuna the contrarian tacked early shoreward while the rest remained on starboard tack heading for Harwood. Half way to the mill mark the wind switched to a south-westerly and strengthened. Balderdash and Una passed a befuddled Bring Ice, rounded the mill mark and set their spinnakers for the run home with Balderdash crossing just one second ahead of Una. Congradulations to Balderdash for line honours and to Una for the win.

On the upwind course to Rebecca we zigged and zagged trying to make the best of the shifting breezes. Kukuna got off to a brilliant start and finding clear wind and stronger zephyrs kept a good lead. Bring Ice sailed off on a long tack towards Ahgykson (Harwood Island) as did Balderdash. Kukuna and Una kept to the Texada side of the passage which proved to be the better option as they rounded Rebecca well ahead. Rebecca Rock was seemingly over-populated with seabirds and sea mammals all cheering us on in their various languages. Cormorants fringed the granite like dozens of little dark statues while flocks of complaining gulls soared above. A couple of huge curious Stellar sea lions watched admiringly, their huge heads held above the water.

Once we rounded Rebecca we set our spinnakers for the run to the finish. Una had managed to pass Kukuna and lengthened her lead on the way to the finish but not by enough to secure another win. Congratulations to Kukuna for her first win of the season. Special mention to Christien Kaaij and crew of Balderdash for their competitive showing in a very challenging race against the more experienced teams.

Results