Inshore Race 6th Feb, 2014

Some of you may have noticed that on 6th Feb we left Middle Island, rounded Round Island and returned to Middle Island. There have been various interpretations of this. Some of our friends and family have seen this as a brave and/or silly attempt to start the Bight crossing. Now given that we went out in 15 - 25 knot easterly and a 2 metre easterly swell, we can understand this interpretation. This, however, is incorrect because this was our first inshore race of the Around Australia adventure.

These races have become a standard part of such adventures with the Volvo 40 race series and the Clipper Race series each having an inshore race at each port. 

Volvo 40 Inshore Race

This type of short race around some clearly defined marks close to shore, lets the locals become part of the event and allows sailors to show off their skills. Our event achieved all of this. These close quarter, hard sailing events, have their dangers and boats can sometimes come into contact. Our event was well managed in order to prevent such unfortunate and costly encounters.

Clipper mishap during Inshore Race in Albany 2013

In our inshore event all competitors remained in constant radio contact and were required to get the permission of the other competitors in order to change course. It was via one of these transmissions  that "Zofia" informed the fleet that she was going back to the finish, which was in the same location as the start. The other competitors decided it was not yet time to go to the finish.  This delay was to cost them dearly.

"Zofia" gained maximum points with a stunning return leg, under motor, finishing where they started, one full  hour ahead of "Easy Tiger" and 2 hours ahead of "Urchin". The latter opting to sail the final leg, a decision that they now regret and one their navigator will have to live with for some time.

So you see, we did not turn back, run away or get scared. It was just an inshore race.

Start of Around Australia Inshore Race

Finish of Around Australia Inshore Race