The Great Circle Race

great_circle_race14 Squibs competed in the inaugural Great Circle Race in good light winds on Saturday 11 October.   As the name implies the trophy race has a fixed course which involves sailing around the marks in the Bay in a large circle.  After a small windward beat from the Committee boat, marks O,T,F,M,K,B,C and H are to be rounded to port.  The course is completed by rounding a set leeward mark and finishing at the Committee boat.  The race is also part of the Squib Saturday 4 series.   The Squibs enjoyed sunny and light conditions requiring great concentration.  The race was won by Saskia helmed by Mark Bugler with Hussy in second place and Magaroo in third.  The trophy made from ripple sycamore and black walnut was crafted by John Thomson.

An amendment to Sailing Instructions issued this weekend allows Race Officers to change the course after the first round in the event of a change in wind direction.  Race Officer Kenny Roebuck took the opportunity, as the wind direction shifted, to use the new ruling during the Sunday 12 October race and changed the windward and the leeward mark for the second round.  Despite some reservations the fleet coped well with the new instructions.  19 Squibs, 15 PY yachts and 15 IRC yachts sailed in sunny, warm conditions.