Debbie Cockle, BBSC social and cruising coordinator and joint owner of trailable yacht True North, recruited two new members, Jane Elek of Moruya and Grace Allington of Narooma, after they both got in contact with her about racing. 

Elek, who recently moved to Moruya from Hobart, inquired about crewing keel boat races to further her skills on a new boat in new waters after learning to sail in Tasmania on the tall ship, Lady Nelson.

Allington began sailing as a school student about five years ago and raced in Busselton, Western Australia. 

She hadn’t had a chance to race before she got in touch with the BBSC. 

The ladies were also joined by Lara Phillips of Batemans Bay.

Phillips was on loan from BBSC championship yacht Accolade and has raced in Batemans Bay for approximately 18 years.

True North didn’t have the best start but eventually surged to third spot on the wind with the team combining well for the first time.

However, on the last leg, Apostrophe set its spinnaker and barrelled past True North, which was unable to do the same.

“She just went past us,” Cockle said.

True North finished fourth and had an average speed of 8.2 knots on an afternoon the wind reached 22 knots.

Cockle said she was rapt to get out on the water with the new crew.

“We went well and the two new girls were great,” Cockle said.

“Jane knew what to do; just let it come naturally.

“Grace was terrific in the conditions.”

Cockle encouraged people to contact her to try out keel boat racing.

For information phone her on 0412 989 021 or email the_cockles@hotmail.com.