In the previous edition of the Farr 9.2 report, we had just completed heats four and five of the Farr 9.2 Metro Series, and were preparing for the State Championships in March. Since then, the metro series has continued into heats six and seven, and some very close racing in the State Championships made for a great weekend. Read on for details.
Going into heat six, the standings for the Swan River Metro series had Itinerant (Mark Hansen) in first position, with Elusive (Richard Brisbane-Cohen) and Seahawk (Pat Jones) only a handful of points behind. Being just over half-way through the series, the trophy is far from decided at this stage. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club (RFBYC) hosted the fleet for heat six, with a refreshing return to typical summer sea-breeze conditions after a week of hot and still afternoons. Farr Far Away (James Baker), sailing a brand-new number one jib, broke out first for an early lead, but it was Elusive who caught up soon after and managed to hold their first place across the finish.
Consistency results for heat six had Frenzy (Murray Rowe) first, Farrlap (Andrew Hossen) second and The Black Smoke (Jeremy Kerr) third. All of the placing teams managed to rush back from the finish line to their pens, and then over to RFBYC, making for a great representation of the fleet at presentation of results.
With their win in heat six, Elusive is now only four points behind Itinerant in the championship standings, and is building up inertia with two firsts in a row.
On to heat seven in late February, hosted by South of Perth Yacht club (SoPYC) as part of their Saturday afternoon racing series. Team Itinerant was unable to compete, instead on the hardstand for some much-needed repairs in preparation for the upcoming state championships. This leaves the door wide open for a change in series leader, especially with Elusive on their current winning streak. The day’s conditions were another classic sea breeze, giving the fleet plenty of opportunity for strategic sailing on the upwind reaches. All three of Farr Far Away, Elusive, and Lionheart (Warren Westaway) exchanged lead over the course of the day, with Elusive managing to hold it into Como and across the finish line, with Lionheart only eight seconds behind. Consistency results had Lionheart first, Frenzy second and Farr Far Away third. Being fastest across the line, Elusive extend their streak of consecutive wins to three, and they now overtake Itinerant into first place in the series.
The final two heats of the Swan River Metro Series will be held in late March and mid-April, and are sure to feature some very competitive racing for the series trophy. We’ll keep you updated on results!
Leaving the familiar surroundings of Melville Waters for a few days, the Farr 9.2 fleet ducked under the Fremantle bridges to head out to the annual State Championships, this year at RPYC Annex. Recent history had the racing held in Cockburn Sound, hosted by The Cruising Yacht Club (TCYC). This year we had diverged from tradition and joined the S80 and S97 fleets for a combined state championships event, with eight races over three days in Owen Anchorage.
Even through there was a last-minute (COVID-induced) reduction in social plans over the states weekend, we felt very welcomed by the S80 and S97 teams in joining their regular event, which by now has become a very slick operation, very much made possible by the generous contributions of a team of volunteers. We would like to extend our thanks for all for making this such a successful states weekend for us 9.2 newcomers.
After three days of extremely competitive windward/leeward racing, the championship points were equal between first and second place, with the winner being decided on countback. Podium results were:
Farr 9.2 State Championships – championship:
- Itinerant (Mark Hansen)
- Elusive (Richard Brisbane-Cohen)
- The Black Smoke (Jeremy Kerr)
Farr 9.2 State Championships – consistency:
- Farrlap (Andrew Hossen)
- Frenzy (Murray Rowe)
- Lionheart (Warren Westaway)
In other news, the Farr 9.2 Farrago has recently found a new owner in Gerald Bergsma. After a long stint at RFBYC, Gerald has sailed Farrago closer to home at Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club, and is planning to get out racing in club events, in addition to a few upgrades for the cruising too. While Farrago isn’t likely to joining us for many river races, we’re looking forward to have another 9.2 out for some ocean sailing. Welcome to the fleet, Gerald!