Adelaide Nationals 2005

Wildlife 0; Ed 1

Whilst Ed scored well early in the week (when a crow flew into his windscreen), the wildlife were unable to make a comeback, as Mr Shark did not put in an appearance (despite Dave leaving a blood trail behind the boat on Day 2).

In sailing, however, the NSW fleet were not quite so lucky, finding it hard to keep pace with the “ultimate racing machine” that is the newer 14’ skiff. The invitation race was abandoned (too windy) but Day 1 saw plenty of wind and neither NSW boat contest race 2 (beer in the park was a lot more relaxing). Somewhat handicapped on Day 2 by severe lack of trolley power, Dukes missed the start and joined in the race with the leaders for a bit of fun. Ghost did make it to the start on time and placed 26th.

Day 3 saw the fleet bobbing around the start in no wind and subsequently bobbing home for a nice quiet beer at the bar (to be sculled on announcement that the AP had been dropped). Dukes managed to keep a little closer to the fleet in race 1, but ran out of time in the 2nd (and not very far from the finish!). Ghost took a flyer on the first work in race one, managing a 4th to the top mark, the wheels then fell off and they ended up 19th in that race and 27th in the second race. After 5 hours of sailing, we were all pretty buggered!

Day 4 was fairly similar to Day 3, with the race being postponed (on and off) for as long as possible and finally raced at about 3.30pm setting back the New Years Eve plans just a little.

Day 5 was a much needed lay day and saw the commencement of a series of Jenga Challenges, from which Toby – with immense patience and a technique that could not be surpassed, emerged as the “Jenga Master”. Unfortunately, Day 6 brought the carnival to a close, with one final race at 10am. With a massive wind shift at the right time, Dukes managed to find themselves mid-to-back-of-back-fleet (not last. Hoorah!) and at times in front of Ghost. Everything was as it should be by the end of the race however, though with Dukes a lot closer to the fleet (and well positioned for First Ladies Overall).

In general, the carnival was fantastic with friendly and helpful sailors and an excellent race committee who provided well set up races every day. The CYCSA was great, with an outdoor bar overlooking the marina where we could sit in the sun and relax. The water was a wonderful green and it was so clear you could see the bottom a long way out (not to mention the sharks coming to eat you). We all had an awesome time and are looking forward to going to the nationals in Hervey Bay next year, hopefully with a much larger NSW contingent.

Kate Cooper.

Full results can be found here and photos of the NSW contingent are here.