Cloud and dust were the order of the morning as the 12foot skiffs rolled in to do battle against the Cherubs at the Sydney Flying Squadron in Kirribilli on Sunday. It was a great turnout from the Cherubs who, besides from significantly increasing the good looks average in the Rigging Park, also brought with them a hunger to beat the 12’s, and get some good rides along the way. Some nursing questionable hangovers, the fleet of 14 boats made its way onto the water just after 2pm for the reach out to the start line for the first of 2 sprint races. Adam Forbes with his brand new 12 Maersk Line was unfortunately not able to make it, despite grinders, drills and some made splicing all morning, the stars didn’t align enough to get the boat on the water for its inaugural sail. We are looking forward to seeing what is a great new boat hit the water very soon.

The breeze was behaving in the 14-19 knot range from the South and allowed most twelves to carry their second rigs, with 2 boats opting for third. The starters as usual did a great job in setting up a 2 lap windward leeward course between Athol Bay and Darling Point. The breeze built with five minutes to go and the Cherubs and 12’s circled backwards and forwards sizing each other off with a hunger for a full pace start before racking up for what was a clean start. The Order of the first work was big holes and big shifts- everywhere. Throw a few dopey power boat drivers in the mix and it was a recipe for some great passing lanes, which the Cherubs took great advantage of staying hot on the heels of the front pack of 12’s. A couple of great lines of breeze kept the front pack of 12’s and Cherubs in the clear as they sped down to the bottom mark, with right hand side of the course playing havoc for anyone who got stuck over there. The second beat again created many changes with Geotherm’s comfortable lead being eaten up by both LCC and Big Foot. All 3 skiffs were neck and neck at the last bottom mark and it was only mistakes form LCC and Big Foot at the mark rounding that let Geotherm get away with a win. Harden Up was the first of the cherubs, closely followed by Action.

For the second race the starters kept the same two-lap format but brought the top mark a little closer to avoid the holes that played havoc in the first race. Some Cherub and 12 crews also swapped around to give a different perspective on the other boats and style of sailing. Again a close start ensured which had the majority of the pack closely following each other to the left of the course before tacking at Bradleys Head. More consistent breeze for this leg kept the mark rounding tight with LCC around first with Geotherm hot on their heels. The downwind leg was a screamer with most boats carrying great breeze to the bottom, some conveniently holding out their gybe to they were right next to the concentration of eye candy that is ‘The Island’ floating bar on the harbour. Needless to say there were a few shaky gybes as the crews got caught glancing backwards at the fabulous people in few clothes. I digress, where were we? Oh yes, the bottom mark. The front pack of Cherubs were right in the mix at the bottom mark which meant the game was on for the last lap, with a split of boats opting for different sides of the course. First around the top mark was LCC followed by the cherub Action showing good speed. Action unfortunately had a swim down the last run, letting Big Foot and Geotherm pick up 2nd and 3rd. In the cherubs New Order won from Harden Up, with Action back in 3rd.

The day was topped off by some beers and Tacos on the deck at the club, with LCC collecting the prize for first place 12 and Harden UP collecting the prize for the first placed Cherub. All in all it was a great day and we look forwards to having our mates from the Cherub class back again for more racing in the near future.