Race 19, Autumn Series Heat 4, Matthew Flinders Cup

Race report

Short and sweet (for Tangles)

There is no denying that it was certainly a popular win for Tangalooma (Neville Turbit) and her crew. And with Scot (David Paget) and Aberdare (Michael Carter) coming in second and third, it seemed appropriate (to the heavily handicapped skiffs) that the presentation was made on the deck under the newly erected flagpole flying the pirate flag. Yes, in a shortened course lasting only an hour or so, the pirates (delete that, we mean Tangalooma) took full advantage of her handicap and stole the coveted Matthew Flinders Cup.

The Mark Foy handicap starts are officially recognised in the Rules as pursuit races where the handicaps operate to provide a competitive race where every boat knows where all of their competitors are on the course and whom they need to beat. Usually, it results in close finishes and it has survived the test of time for our traditional 18 foot skiffs. But a shortened course in a pursuit race can operate very much to the detriment of the more handicapped in the fleet. Such was the case on Saturday.

A very light easterly was predicted and the No.2 Course was the obvious choice. It did mean that we would be sailing close to the modern 18s in the second last heat of the JJs and their start line to the west of Clark Island. But there was plenty of work in the course and good opportunities to pick the shifts and find the best breeze. A small flood tide was only a minor distraction.

At Shark Island, Tangalooma rounded 2 minutes ahead of Australia (Marshall Flanagan) that had done well on the work. Scot and The Mistake (Jerry Tickner) rounded together a minute behind. Then followed A4 (Terry Stewart), Aberdare (Michael Carter) and Yendys (Warren Miller) in hot pursuit.

Aberdare and Yendys, chasing breeze and pressure, hoisted their kites on a bear-away set with a gybe planned on the approach to Garden Island. While the rest of the fleet, ignoring the VMG challenge, headed straight for the bottom mark. If the breeze increased, it promised to be a competitive race back to the Island on the last lap.

Light easterlies usually die off with the friction on the water and land effect the closer you get to Kirribilli. It was nevertheless a surprise when the Race Committee decided to shorten course and finish at Kirribilli. The back markers had only been racing for just over an hour. (There is no truth in the rumour, by the way, that Rolf, assistant starter for the day on Killo, had conspired with the PRO to get everyone back to the bar as early as possible).

So Tangalooma, leading all the way, took the chocolates, and the Cup by a minute from Scot, with Aberdare coming in third, four minutes adrift of Tangles.

Beers seem to forestall (and occasionally promote) all arguments at the Squaddie. It was generally agreed by all, after a couple, that we needed a fairer outcome when the course is shortened after a Mark Foy start. Your scribe, unashamedly, would like to see at least a minimum race time in most circumstances. Apart from the result, at least we would get some time on the water after two or three hours of rigging and another hour or so of de-rigging on a Saturday! All suggestions are welcome before we set about fixing this when the Saling Instructions are revised during the winter.

No race next week due to the big Naval Fleet Review. Last race and End-of-Season Party (with some surprises reported) on the 28th. Be there!

Patton’s DA refused

For much of the last 10 years, the redevelopment of the Patton’s site has been a focus of successive boards at SFS and Patton’s. The late Bill Loader led the effort for much of this time during which Patton’s invested over $500,000 in the costs of plans and consultants to meet the requirements of the relevant authorities.

The current SFS and Patton’s boards, having inherited the application, decided to let it run its course and to minimise expenditure rather than to withdraw the application and just write the expenditure off without any reward at all for the previous efforts and sunk cost.

But now, as a result of the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) declining to issue general conditions for the site, and despite Patton’s amending the application to remove all activities where concerns had been noted (sand blasting, noise, fumes mainly), the DA has been refused. In circumstances where the EPA declines to issue general conditions, the local council is prohibited from approving the development.

On one view, this result is a continuation of the EPA’s current attitude to waterfront marine industrial activities right across Sydney Harbour. Some might say that it does little to improve environmental outcomes.

The Patton’s and SFS boards are considering the various options open to Patton’s. These range from appealing the decision to advancing the master plan for our corner of Careening Cove, involving alternative uses for the site. In the meantime, we expect existing slipways and boat repair activities to continue in one form or another.

Meet the experts

On Wednesday 11th March 2026, the SFS hosted the ‘Meet the Experts’ session with International Race Officers, Hugh Leicester and Howard Elliott who shared their wealth of knowledge through stories of experience officiating races from local club level, through to the Olympics!

Many thanks to SFS Ops Manager, Wendy Lee for organising the event.

Sydney Harbour Regatta presentation

The Squaddie was well represented on the evening of Monday 9th March at the presentation night for the Sydney Harbour Regatta held at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Scot wrap up from Paynesville

Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is a biennial celebration of classic boats, maritime culture and cruising held on the Gippsland Lakes in VIC. This year Jamie Watt and Scot attended with Jamie reporting that they loved having them there.

Historic Houses fundraiser

Saturday 28th March 2026

• 11:30am HERITAGE ROOM: Talk with John “Steamer” Stanley

• 12:30pm Followed by a lite lunch at Foys. Drinks are not included

• 2 pm Meet & board our charter Rosman ferry at High Street Ferry wharf

• 5 pm Return to Club, leave ferry & say goodbyes

https://www.hha.net.au/

The printed report, with its photographs, is on the page for Race Report 14 March 2026 in the news archive.