Light conditions made for some spectacular spinnaker runs for the Shirley Freeman Trophy on Anzac Day

Light conditions made for some spectacular spinnaker runs under grey Melbourne skies in the rescheduled Shirley Freeman race held at the Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club on Sunday 25^th April. It’s great that we’ve been able to run four of the five races in the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series so far given the challenges of Covid lockdowns and weather cancellations.

Navigation decisions proved to be the key on the day with boats staying out in the middle of Port Phillip faring better than those who headed closer to shore in the hope of a breeze off the land.

Sue Burke with Swallow from Williamstown Sailing Club continued her winning streak taking out first place in the Shirley Freeman trophy in PHS.

First in AMS was Le Cascadeur from Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club skippered by Leo Eeckman. Leo said the light conditions suit the boat very well and she was fortunate to have the regular crew on board to support her on the day making it easy. Like many sailors this year it was the first time she’d steered the boat for a very long time and it was great to get out again and support the club.

First in IRC was Monica Jones with Salamander III from Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron who sailed her Adams 10 with just three on board. Monica said her success was all about tactics and a little bit of luck, but having fewer people on board may also have helped in the light airs.

The non-spinnaker division winner was Maureen Dickens on De Ja Blue from HBYC. This year the race was named after Alice Varady who contributed so much to the running of the club over many years. Alice was one of the first women to move on from administrative roles in the office to more general manager duties which saw her out on the marina and hard stand, or upstairs organizing the Sailing Instructions and Race results.

Maureen Dickens said it was important to honour prominent women in the club. She said the success of the Port Phillip Women’s Championship Series is giving boat owners more confidence.

Maureen is thrilled to see the Shirley Freeman Regatta continuing to have such a strong momentum on the water and back on land at the club. The home cooked food, band and huge volunteer effort, has all contributed to it becoming one of the biggest events Hobson’s Bay Yacht Club runs each year. Sunday made for a very long day for some volunteers, starting at 5am with the Anzac Day commemorations at the club to celebrating into the evening.

The final Race in PPWCS for 2021 is the Bliss Regatta held at Royal Brighton Yacht Club on Sunday May 2.

Going into the final race Sue Burke and Swallow are just one point ahead of Katie Holroyd and Serious Yahoo so it should be an exciting finish to the Port Phillip Women's Championship Series.

It is not too late to register for BLISS next Sunday 2nd May at Royal Brighton Yacht Club at the following link.  

Port Phillip Women's Championship Series 2020-21 ~ 2020 ~ 2021 ~ TopYacht Entry System

For full results of the day and the PPWC Series see link below.

Port Phillip Women's Championship Series 2021 Results Index (topyacht.net.au)

Race report : Cath Hurley

Photos: Dave Hewison