Lowell North Memorial J/70 Twilight Regatta

The Sydney J/70 fleet held the Lowell North Memorial J/70 Twilight Regatta hosted by the RSYS from Monday 25th to Thursday 28th November. The racing schedule was set for three short, two lap, windward leeward races each evening for a total up to twelve races for the series. Seven J/70s from both RSYS and CYCA participated in the series.  Race management was provided by RSYS race officers Rob Ridley and Ian Kingsford Smith supported by RSYS staff and volunteers.

The series proved to be a true test of the crews' skills in a wide variety of conditions over the four evenings.

Fresh conditions after the start day 1

The Monday and Tuesday evening races were sailed in strong north easterly breezes. Monday evening’s races were sailed in conditions that were almost at the limit of the 25kts wind range limit, with large, powerful gusts. Tuesday evening was a little less windy and somewhat less gusty also but still a test of boat handling skills for the crews.

These conditions resulted in some spectacular “tip outs” for most boats on more than on occasion.

Steve Proud's SWISH team

Wednesday and Thursday evenings were a complete contrast with light and shifty breezes testing crews’ ability to read the difficult conditions. On Wednesday only one race could be completed before the breeze faded to zero.  On Thursday, to the credit of the RSYS race committee, three races were sailed in three to six knots shifting breezes.

Vakaros Race Sense was used in the series, ensuring that the series was sailed efficiently in the limited twilight time available and without general recalls.

'The short sharp format was fantastic’ said Anemology’s skipper Kim Ketelbey. Three races were scheduled to start at 5:30pm each evening Monday to Thursday and seven boats contested the series. Boats were separated by just seconds after the 20 to 25 minute races.’

Tim Ryan skipper of Vamos and overall winner added, ‘The regatta was a lot of fun. It's great to be on the Harbour in the evening with little traffic around. The regatta had a great mix of breezes and the best N’ Easters I've sailed in for years. We were doing above 15 knots downhill constantly on Monday evening, which is unusual. I saw 18+ knots on the speedo, but I suspect we exceeded that a few times. The race officer did a great job getting three races done on Thursday night when the breeze was fickle.’ 

The series open division was won by Vamos, Tim Ryan – CYCA, who is also an RSYS member. In second place was Swish, Steve Proud – RSYS on a count back from Celestial, Sam Haynes – CYCA in third place. The PHS division was won by Anemology, Kim Ketelbey - RSYS, followed by Jabberwocky, Steve Ellis – RSYS from Celestial, Sam Haynes – CYCA, again on a count back.  The leading Corinthian crewed boat was Jabberwocky.

Celestial leading Anemology and Swish after the top mark.

Overall Results

1st Vamos (AUS1567), Tim Ryan, Robert Greenhalgh, Peter Ryan, Charlie Gundy   
2nd Swish (AUS82), Steve Proud, Billy Sykes, Shaun Connor, Finn Alexander
3rd Celestial (AUS507), Sam Haynes, Murray Jones, Niall Morrow, Tom Grimes, Finn Rodowicz

Corinthian Result

1st Jabberwocky (AUS1129), Stephen Ellis, Colin McMahon, Stephen Penny, Garth Riley    

Vamos downwind