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Offshore
action for Cadets
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Australian
Naval Cadet, AB Vicky Rippon at the helm of Lady Penrhyn
during the closing stages of the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour
series.
Photo by LCDR Paul Jones.
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Lady
Penryhn ventured north over the Christmas break participating in
the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore Series (see story, Navy
News, Feb 13, P36).
For the final two races, HMAS Harman offered the Coffs Harbour Cadet
Unit, T/S Vendetta, one position for an Australian Naval Cadet (ANC)
to join the race crew for a day.
As Lady Penrhyn’s crew comprised three female members, these
positions were made available to female ANC members.
LS Sarah Jones and AB Vicky Rippon, who joined for races six and
seven respectively, both had experience sailing ANC Corsairs, former
Navy racing dinghies. With pre-race training focussing on yacht
drills, both participated fully in crew work.
For the final race, however, Lady Penrhyn found herself with key
experienced personnel out (one having returned to Canberra and injury
having taken a further two crew out).
Vicky’s previous Corsair experience helped her quickly become
a pivotal member of Lady P’s crew. Lady P and Alexander (the
other Navy sail training yacht in the event) quickly settled into
a match race with each other’s moves being covered until Lady
P was finally able to break clear at the beginning of leg three.
With Vicky’s valuable contribution, Lady Penrhyn was able to
compete effectively, even leading an ex-Admirals Cup yacht for a
short time, and finished 2nd in division three and 5th overall in
the PHS division.
After each race, both Sarah and Vicky were given the opportunity
to take charge and sail wherever they wished. After a full day’s
racing, helming, sail changing and packing sails, each is keen to
find avenues for sailing offshore again.
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