Port Hunter Regatta 2023

Well.  That’s it!!!  End of the season.  And the end of chapter 1 – Firestorm.
 
The final regatta in the VS calendar has been sailed.  The TT race at Newcastle Sailfest.  The Cock of the Harbour.  And yet again the VS’s have dominated 😊. 
 
After a week of cold temperatures and bleak weather, the skys cleared and the sun shone. We were missing a few of the usual suspects from the rigging area – Meeks (mast fatigue), Black Diamond (CHS fatigue), Wobbygong (holiday fatigue), Devocean (heart fatigue*).
 
But SFC, Troy Botting Shipwright, Stowe, Runaway, Incognito & Firestorm to were all up for the trip to Stockton.  After an “all in” start a cherub took the early lead but quickly the big cats and two up 16 overtook the fleet.  As did the VS’s.  Ignoring the big cats and the rogue 16, Steve, Jeremy & Troy on Runaway lead around the first mark with Firestorm close on their tuck.  Stowe was not far behind as was SFC and TBS, albeit squabbling over luffing rights. Incognito was just a bit further behind trying to work out the start timing sequence.
 
In 10 knots Firestorm is fast, so John, Dale & Courtney soon took Firestorm to a lead they would not relinquish.  And with the ‘generous’ VS yardstick they also claimed the Cock of the Harbour trophy.  A trophy they haven’t previously claimed so it was a nice departure gift…
Steve, Jeremy & Troy have found good speed in Runaway since recutting their main and hung in for a good second.  A little further back was SFC, with Mick & Gabe joined by Pete on the sheet, subbing in for Lennon, who is O/S (life is tough).  Col, Adam & Janine were not far behind in 4th on TBS but just did not find their mojo today.  Incognito recovered to finish 5th, with Tim, Craig & Luke in Stowe coming home in 6th, after a quick swim by Luke (who moved that gunwale???).
 
SFC won the day on handicap, from Firestorm & Runaway, but that wasn’t enough to stop Stowe from claiming the overall Travellers Trophy win.  Congratulations to Tim, Ryan, Luke, and Craig.  The Travellers Trophy is a series that counts the results of all VS regattas so is a recognition of season long consistency.  Few could argue Stowe hasn’t shown that.  Well done Lads.
 
Next up will be the States & TT presentation & AGM.  Dates still to be finalised but it will be sometime in July/August.  Hopefully see you there.
 
* The heart fatigue mentioned above was a LOT more serious than can be expressed in words.  Roger suffered a cardiac arrest and was heading to a world of endless Herons, catamarans & pussy NW’ers, until Kath brought him back.  A few broken bones and ligaments but well worth it,  What a legend! I want Kath in my corner... I know I speak for all in the VS community in wishing Rog a full and speedy recovery.  We all can’t wait to see you soon mate.
 
Cheers John