2026-27 Sailing Calendar
2026-27 Membership form

Clarence River Sailing Club
Saturday 7th November 2026

Susan Island Race

_{Tap images to open. Press and hold for other options.}More photos

Clarence River Sailing Club
Saturday 7th November 2026

Susan Island Race

In a sensational finish to Saturday’s race around Susan Island, the fleet leaders crossed the line less than one second apart after a gruelling ninety-minute battle on the river. Sailing doesn’t get much closer than this and great performances by Luke Denham and John Nelson.

Luke got away fast with perfectly timed start and pushed his Leader class skiff hard on the tough outward leg to the western tip of the island. Punching directly into the gusty north westerly, more and more tacks were needed as the channel narrowed between Susan and ‘Peanut’ Islands. Normally a Hobie 18 skipper, Luke adapted quickly to the slower but more agile skiff and was able to keep all contenders astern right until the finish.

In contrast Laser skipper John Nelson had a mediocre start but by sailing higher than his rivals on the critical upwind leg gradually edged his way back into the race and by the halfway mark was in striking distance of the lead. On the return leg John and fellow Laser skipper Karl Cooksley elected to track along the southern river bank where a slightly better breeze got him even closer. At final mark Luke still looked to have it won but an unlucky wind shift at the critical moment pushed him further downstream than planned leaving John to cut inside and seize the day. In sailing it’s never over until its over and a great result.

Karl Cooksley (Laser) was next home after a daring mid-race tactic that gained several boat lengths and put him right back into contention. Watching the leading boats struggle in the narrow channel between Susan and ‘Peanut’ Island Karl elected to avoid it altogether and go around to the north. Despite the extra distance and shallow water, the clearer air and longer tacks of this route worked brilliantly. By the time he re-joined the fleet he was right up with leaders and ready for the long downwind leg to the finish.

Peter Zietsch (Laser) was next home after a frustrating final 30 metres to line when the breeze all but dropped, followed shortly after by Neil Burgess.

See the website for full results and photos.

There’s no doubt we live in a magnificent part of the world. Despite the pressures of racing, everyone remarked at just how spectacular the river, the islands and tree-lined streets of the city looked on the way around.

A big thanks to a very busy Greg Lee. Greg officiated the race, drove the rescue boat, took the photos and tabulated the results.

Sailing is on again next Saturday (14th) for Race #6 of the Pre Xmas Comp.

Visitors or anyone wanting to have a go at sailing are most welcome to come along. Start time is around 1.00 pm each Saturday.

More details on our website. https://crsc.yachting.org.au

Results

Recorded Time	Elapsed Time	YS	YS Cr'd Time	Class	Skipper	Crew	Sail No
	Around Susan Island

Monos
01:25:57	01:22:57	114	01:12:46	Laser	J Nelson		175287
01:26:29	01:23:29	114	01:13:14	Laser	K Cooksley		216171
01:28:47	01:25:47	114	01:15:15	Laser	P Zietsch		143427
01:25:58	01:22:58	110	01:15:25	Leader	L Denham		222
01:34:35	01:31:35	114	01:20:20	Laser	N Burgess		151965

Greg Lee officiating, rescue boat and results.