Our second report is from Maxim Djura:
It was the first NSW coast Championship event in Mannering Park Amateur Sailing Club in many years. This is a peaceful corner in the south part of Lake Macquarie undisturbed by any ferries and boats with large spinnakers. This place has also completely fearless and highly social ducks. They are happy to join a party, don't need an invitation to come in and don't mind standing in the middle of a road in front of an approaching car forcing drivers to detour.
The wind conditions were shifty and patchy both days. We had rain, a grey sky (with sun for a brief moment), and an average 20 knots wind of on the first day. These were very difficult conditions as was admitted later by Brett Beyer in his award speech. Two people had breakages and had to retire. Special shout out to Alexander Bijkerk for his display of sportsmanship when he retired after race (RAF) because of missing the final mark rounding in the first race.
The DBSC team took up an invitation from Diane Sissingh and Robert Lowndes from MHASC to a local pub for drinks and high-energy food. The next day started with a bit of rain, light air, tea, coffee and Russian pancakes aux french crêpe. Of course, AP was raised onshore as we waited for the forecasted easterly wind, which hit around 12:30 pm and we splashed soon after then for two final races in champagne conditions.
Although a few people said all the nearby accommodation was booked out for the event, our regatta logistics maestro Dave Newman found a great stay just next to the waterfront a week prior to the event. When asked how hard it was, he just shrugged and said "easy." A big thanks to him for organising this, as well as big thanks to Rod and Dave for transporting the boats.
Photos by Murray Stone, Jason Wilkins and Mike Dunne
