FEATURES
For the faster divisions, there was an added upwind and
downwind leg after Gau Tau rocks to add some mileage to
the race with the finish inside Mirs Bay. For the smaller boats,
the course was shortened and the race finished at Gau Tau.
This meant the fleet stayed together and finished at roughly
the same time to be able to get into the Bay in time for the
prize-giving.
Free Fire, Sam Chan’s TP 52, led the fleet into Mirs Bay and
was the first to choose their anchorage, awaiting the other
boats to slowly make their way in. In less than an hour, the
majority of the fleet had anchored and crews were enjoying
a swim and a cold beer. Free Fire showed the other boats
how it’s done with a halyard swinging contest—who can
swing the furthest around the boat before ending up in the
drink and there were many cheers from other boat audiences
as some showed off their skills, made it around past the
34 Hebe jebes • Sept/Oct 2014
transom and reached the other side before letting go! With
the sun disappearing, the boats emptied of crew who
headed onshore to continue to enjoy the evening festivities.
In summary, the Mirs Bay continues to offer competitive
racing with that twist of fun and a chance to hang out with
family and friends.
One slight addition to this year’s proceedings which I feel
must be mentioned was a small ceremony held in loving
memory of Peter McCaffrey, owner of Vixen. It was an
emotional ride to the start line on the Fraser Doig with his
family and friends onboard where they oversaw a one-minute
silence involving the whole fleet. The HHYC battle flag was
hoisted and then remained flying at half-mast during the
race. All boats flew a white streamer in remembrance. Peter
will be sadly missed by all those who had the privilege of his
company and friendship, on and off the water.
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