19. 08.
Seven boats entered the GTYC cluster Cup sailed on Sunday the 17th August 2008.
Division One started at 10.15 am with 4 boats crossing the line in a slight South Easterly, Peccadillo first over the line followed by Way To Go then Waterbago with Dynamic Duo crossing the line early and having to restart 5 minutes after the scheduled time.
The wind picked up about 10 minutes before the start of the second division so the early starters were able to get a handy lead.
Division Two got away at 10.45 with Wile E Coyote crossing first under spinnaker followed by Cordon Bleu and Sofa close by.
The course started at St Helens and went out through the main channel to the Cluster Buoy, a reversal of the normal course because of a large tanker due into the channel between 1400 and 1430 hrs.
At the Cluster mark Wile E Coyote passed at 12 10 pm with Pecadillo one minute 35 seconds behind followed by Sofa only 15 seconds abeam and then Cordon Bleu a further four minutes behind. Next was Dynamic Duo only 25 seconds back. Way To Go rounded the mark two minutes 30 later with Waterbago only 20 seconds back.
The first boat to enter the North Channel was Wile E Coyote at 12.40 and 45 seconds, Sofa followed at 12.43. 28, Peccadillo at 12.46. 38, Cordon Bleu 12.49.31, Dynamic Duo 12.56. 05, Way To Go 12.56 .45, and Waterbago 1.02.00.
The wind changed on a number of occasions and some boats were able to complete the course without having to beat or tack in the entire distance, the wind varied from almost none at all to about 15 knots and boat positions changed a number of times during the event
Line honours went to Wile E Coyote which finished at 3.24.16, then Peccadillo 3.31.00, Sofa 3.31.26, Cordon Bleu 3.37.33, Way To Go 3.46.03, Dynamic Duo 3.47.10, and Waterbago 3.52.44
On corrected time the Cluster Cup was won by Cordon Bleu sailed by Charles Weatherly, with partner Di and ex-owner Rob Ballard as crew. Congratulations Charles.
