SHQ

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Results: SHQ Breakwater to Beacon 2009

Ian Fox	21.00
Peter Hands	21.56
Matthew Robertyson	23.06
John Rorsheim	23.16
Tim Gourlay	25.00
Tim Grommelin	31.44
Steve Coward	31.45
Malcom Jones	36.50
Warwick Lee	39.19
James Toth	40.26

 

Top 3 Girls

Nina Edlund International PWA Rider	43.18
Betul Madakbas	45.22
Lisa Edlund	49.36

 

 

2009 SHQ Breakwater to Beacon

A light wind forecast plagued the annual SHQ Breakwater to Beacon Race this year but we still managed to run the race with just over 40 competitors turning up for this popular event. With 10 to 14 knots on the beach the wind was not looking that great for most with smaller gear, but the majority of sailors seemed happy just to enter the race for a bit of fun. After delaying the start for 45 minutes, hoping for the wind to build it was decided to start the race around 3.45 pm.

The running “les Mans” start was impressive to watch for the spectators on the beach with SHQ’s Rich Wormald blitzing away closely followed by Ian Fox and the rest of the pack. Unfortunately most stopped planning 400 meters of shore so the competitors with the bigger gear had the advantage and where now gaining ground quickly. Ian Fox (5 time B to B winner), Peter Hands (WV President) and Matt Robertson where all in a close battle and leading the 6 km charge to the Beacon. Formula gear or big slalom gear was what was needed to stay planning and make it to the Beacon without loosing height. However Warwick and James anticipated the light winds and opted to sail a SUP (Stand up Paddle board) in the race with seemed to work remarkably well.

The Hampton Life Saving Club safety boat (& gibe mark) misjudged the speed of the first competitors and was overtaken to the Beacon by Ian ,Peter and Matt resulting in some controversy over where to Gibe. Eventually Ian Fox managed to secure a 6^th B to B win coming in with a clear lead over Peter Hands and Matthew Robertson. PWA Rider Nina Edlund borrowed some Freestyle gear and managed to finish first in the girls, closely followed by Betul and her sister Lisa Edlund.

Some competitors never got to get planning but still managed to complete the course and make it back to the beach within 1.5 hours. Respect!

The BBQ and presentation was once again a great casual affair with Ian’s son, Carter helping with the Lucky draw prizes. All competitors walked away with a price and Steve Coward was lucky enough to get the brand new Gaastra GTX sail.

Our next Event is on the 17^th of January with PWA Superstar Robby Swift visiting SHQ and Melbourne to come and sail in the Bay. Info here. Don’t miss it !

Thanks to Peter and Kathy for signing up WV members

Hampton Life saving Club for the support boat

Everyone who turned up, especially in the light winds

 

Sign-up in 5 knots of wind !

Gear is put into position

Last call, 5 minutes to the start

Final stretches (Josh you are taking this very serious)

More stretches for Josh, others not really paying attention

Les Mans start, the race is underway

Quick pose for the camera

10 knots, that means a lot of pumping

Some competitors are not sure if they want to sail 6 kms in 10 knots

Foxy with a healthy lead on his way back from the Beacon, peter in second place

Ian dumps his gear

5 Times SHQ B to B Winner Ian Fox

Peter Hands second to arrive

Peter running up the beach

 

Matt Robertson arriving in 3rd place

Great effort from Matt

My Dad is the best ! (Carter Fox)

John in 4th place

Other competitors on their way back

 

The finish line

Full sprint up the beach

Raife, checking out the action

Warwick is the first to arrive on a SUP

Betul second in the Girls

Lotti and Rich

Dumb and Dumber? (The SHQ Grommies)

Joel Ryan coming out of the bushes? (must be a closet kiter !) (sorry Joel pic was just too funny)

BBQ, beer and socializing afterwards