2009 ISO Inlands (3rd & 4th October)
3rd October was blowing the proverbial old boots. F5 - gusting 7!! It was looking promising for a seriously good blast - if not much racing.After a lot of debate and hanging around Race Officer, Bob Joce, moved the race course to the East side of QMSC. Would anyone venture out? A few Buzz's staggered off the shore and wobbled out to the start line. After quite a wait to get everyone somewhere near the start line, the right way up, they did get away. Well done guys!!
The ISO fleet retired for the day, keeping body and boat in one piece for the promised abatement the next day.
Sunday morning was bright and sunny with a building F3. Both fleets joined the QMSC club races, with the ISOs shooting off the line pursued by the RS400s. 814, Cousin Trestec, took the lead up the first leg with 1207 chasing hard. Some jostling for position down the run and 1207 pulled it back by a couple of lengths. Next round and it was evens at the leeward mark - both boats rounding almost together.
Final round and Cousin Trestec picked the right way up the beat rounding the top mark with a comfortable enough margin to hold it all the way to the line. 1st one to CT!
2nd race and 1207 made certain of it on the start line, taking a modest lead. 814 wasn't letting them have it and came back by the leeward mark rounding right on 1207's transom. It was close all the way! Both boats crossed again on the next round, leaving all to play for on the final leg. 1207 took it by a couple of lengths.
Race 3 and the club boats retired for lunch, leaving clear water for an ISO head to head. 1207 and 814 were away racing hard again. A few more place switches and the course was shortened - with both boats rounding the leeward mark together. 1207 took it by less than a bow length - 2, 1, 1.
Final race and this was it. If Cousin Trestec could win the race, we could win on count back. Starting gun went and we were off - buried under a Buzz who really did not want to tack! Not looking good. Finally tacked and found a lift and burst of speed in clean air taking us back across the course - and about 100m ahead of 1207. Looking better!! Pedal to the metal and away we went - pulled out another 20m before the top mark, kite up and hold the lead in a fading breeze.
Round the leeward and the wind shifted to take us almost directly to the mark. 1207 still on our heels trying to close the gap. No time to ease off. Breeze lifted again and we both took advantage of it up and down wind. Final round and we were now catching the back markers. Clear round the top mark and final downwind leg, 1207 still chasing and Serenity in front holding a good line. Finally got a chance to roll over Serenity and it was all over - there was no way 1207 was doing the same. Plane on down to take line honours and the count back kicked in - Cousin Trestec won!!
Very close racing made it a thoroughly exciting day. Many thanks to 1207 and the rest of the fleet - and QMSC for hosting.
Bob Ladell & Luke Draper - ISO 814 - Cousin Trestec
