With main out full, the outhaul off, halyard slack and back stay loose.

We’re now set to run or gibe and cover all our friendly foes.

To run or reach and where’s the tide? What will the other skippers do?

Now is the time we must decide. Or ground we gained we soon can lose.

 

Our rival of the reach is nigh, trying to take our windward side.

We match his course to take him high and leave him slating in the tide.

More cursing as we bear away; taking the reach to gain the speed.

The air is clear across the bay and once again we’re in the lead.

 

The skipper calls another gibe and brings the wind once more abeam.

As back across the bay we reach, sails straining at each seam.

Gibe and reach and play the chute. The boats wake clean, the helm is light.

The sun is warm the crew is sure that we can win this running fight.

 

Down to the leeward mark we race with yells of glee as surges build.

That hurl us forward at a pace quickening the pulse in joy and thrill.

Soon will be Genoa time. So make sure that the sheets are clear.

One foul up, per race, is quite enough to spoil a day and lose some beer.

 

Up goes the Genny in fine style, the sheet before the lift.

The outhaul on the main is snug, The backstay hauled in stiff.

Then just before the leeward mark when all are standing by.

The shackle on the tack is tripped and the chute goes flying high.

 

Under the boom she comes in fast, the foot and then the rest.

And heading up around the mark our sails are trimmed to best.

Another beat and one more run. Then beat up to the Line.

If it’s done right with no mistakes, perhaps we’ll save our time.

 

We all have fun around the buoys, its great to sail and shout.

Sometimes to win sometimes to lose, that’s what its all about.

Come join us in this ancient sport and wheel about the bay.

In sun or rain in calm or storm, when things go right or sails are torn.

 

You will enjoy that day.

 
 

David Garlick, Victoria, May. 1986
 

(Part four of four)