Learning to sail in everything, provides Ambition in itself. .... Chris Dare

Winter sailing in Melbourne always provides a challenge as seen in yesterday’s ORCV Winter Series race 1 with light winds. The ORCV Winter Series started with 26 on the line in 2 divisions. The ORCV Race Director shortened that course and race results saw “Ambition” taking Line Honor's, 1st in AMS, 1st in IRC and in 1st in PHS for Division1. Whilst race conditions saw light winds and cool temperature the competition hot and winter light winds sailing skills were put to the test. Results are currently pending protest. For full results click here

ORCV Winter Series Race 1 Ambition Bruno Cocozza Photography

ORCV Winter Series Start also Bruno Cocozza Photography

Close behind Ambition in AMS and IRC Divisions in second place was Gerry Cantwell and his experienced crew on “Carrera S”. Completing the stadium spots were John Newbold’s Primitive Cool (2nd on PHS), Mick and Mark Welsh on “Wicked” (3rd on IRC) and Scott Robinson on “How Bizzare” (3rd on AMS and PHS).

Division 2 saw a great light wind sailing by Will Sheers on “Executive Decision” 1st on AMS, IRC and 2nd on PHS. Great racing by Koos Theron and crew on “Xenia” with 1st on PHS and Russell Hibbert and crew on Next Step with 3rd on AMS and PHS. 

In the post-race interview with Chris Dare he emphasized “predictions indicated light winds and we would need to transition between two weather patterns. We were lucky to get out in front at the start. As we went around the 2nd mark, heading toward to spoil grounds, the winds died off, so my son climbed the mast looking for where the winds were as we sat in a large windless hole/doldrums for about an hour.”

We’ve only owned the boat for less than 12 months with the view that our children needed a pathway and “Ambition” to assist them transition from dinghy sailing to bigger keelboats. “We did have a number of our crew onboard who will compete in the Sydney to Gold Coast although just under half of our crew are under 25 years age"

"Compared to prior years, it was great to see such a large fleet competing yesterday in ORCV Winter Series Race 1. We hope to fit in the Melbourne to Blairgowrie race before heading off north as we really enjoyed having the opportunity, challenges and sailing against similar style boats."

Enter the series or Race 2, The annual Flare Shoot and passage to Blairgowrie.

After the start on the ORCV Winter Series Race 1 Photography:  Dave Hewison

 Light winds proved challenging for all on the ORCV Winter Series Race 1, Photography Dave Hewison