Round 5 of the Traveller series took place over this past weekend at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on an absolute belter of a day for sailing. On the Southern Course with a North Easterly of about 8 knots for race 1 and a click more for Race 2.

5 boats showed for the day including a new owner with Michael Date buying AUS 789 and joining us.

Starting in the Finn Class sequence on the 3 minute gun meant a clear 1st beat before a little bit of traffic at times over the course of the appx 1 hr races on a Trapezoidal course. Something the left the visitors from Southport a little worse for wear at the end of the day, being more used to 20 minute sprint races and a very close by beach to pull into and wait at for the next race.

First race was dominated by Steve Shale (AUS813) and Kelvin Holdt (AUS 708) with Steve getting the gun after a small tactical blip by Kelvin gave Steve a good gap to work with at the end of the 1st reach and Kelvin working hard through the race to get back in touch and Steve doing enough to take the race by 3 seconds. Simon (AUS 772) in 3rd, followed by Rik (AUS 759) and Michael (789) finding his feet.

A click more breeze in the 2nd race shook things up a little. The tide underneath up the beats proved a challenge to hit a layline and not overstand with the topmark seeming so far away for a long time and then all of a sudden being 'right there' and easy to find yourself pinned out on a corner reaching in and giving away distance or speed at the top mark rounding. Kelvin managed the 1st beat the best and opened up a gap for the race. Steve and Simon swapping positions regulalry over the course of the race with Simon taking 2nd (40 seconds back) and Steve 3rd (+10). Michael coming to better grips with the boat edged Rik out for 4th place.

A great days sailing and its all on for the Traveller series trophy points with 1 point between Steve and Kelvin and 2 rounds to go

There may be a change to the date of the last Round scheduled for late April to avoid conflict with the Anzac Day period so watch this space and the class socials for any changes.

Points after Round 5