The Battle of (Little) Betsey
The Cygnet Regatta yet again brought the boats of southern Tasmania together on the water for a fantastic weekend. Both races had winds from every direction and from 0 to 20 knots over the courses. Despite lower numbers compared to last year, the fleet comprised of yachts of all shapes, sizes, materials and displacements.And again, the Kettering Yacht Club had success in 2010. Chinook (R Moyer) took out the Regatta race around the buoys and coming second overall at the end of the weekend not to mention coming second in the Kettering-Cygnet leg due to a perfectly executed manoeuvre around the fleet to stay in the breeze! Meander (R Aldridge) took out 'Best Vintage Yacht' ensuring that each one of Rog's boats have been engraved onto the Bill Parker Trophy. The onshore events were as good as usual with the Cygnet Ladies putting on fantastic meals for the hungry skippers and crew. It was even warm enough for some, including yours truly, to take a dip of the deck into the clear waters of Port Cygnet. Some boats decided it was best to head back on Sunday evening, and to quote one skipper: "or else my missus will have my testicles for teabags." By leaving early, boats were able to enjoy a 20-25kn nor-easter which made the trip home a fair bit quicker than the sail down. As for the Monday returnees, drizzle and chilly temperatures ensured that tea and soup were popular consumptions. But as any Collingwood supporter would say, 'why look in the past?' Which leads to the Betsey Island Race coming up on the 21st of March. One of the KYC's new signature events has Category 5 requirements, so make sure you take your bailer! The competition is tight, last year, 5 yachts managed to squeeze between Little Betsey and Big Betsey with little room to spare! So why not get out on the water, on what will no doubt be a perfect day for sailing, and enjoy a very different set of waters. And if you do so happen to get stuck off Dennes Point as so many before us have done, then drop over a line and bring some flatties to the barbie! Make the most of your amazingly worthwhile membership by sailing with friends! See you out there!
Photograph:Cynthia Coffey | 
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