The weather gods were smiling and provided a festive 12-15 knot nor'easter, with some stronger gusts, for the last race of the Port Macquarie Sailing Club's spring calendar held yesterday. The race started with the run-out tide, promising a gift of choppy conditions as it gathered speed and competed with the opposing wind.

In the monohull race, Paul Robertson had Cate Copeland working overtime to get Flembouyant out in front and stay there to finish first on Yardstick. The middle fleet had enjoyable race with the lead changing several times throughout the race. In the end, it was tactics in dealing with the tide that resulted in Roger Shipton in Zazoo pipping Terry Howard in Flying Dragon at the post. Coming in next were Martina Holt in Spellbound and Simon Gandy and Ariana Silva in Voyager.

The gybe mark, placed off the clubhouse, for the convenience of the newly dubbed "Verandah Squadron", caused some trouble for Drew and Zoe Copeland in Big Bang who came in next. The first rounding was a little messy, while the second was textbook perfect and the third, with everyone getting a bit tired, resulting in a capsize. Of course, the VS had several opinions and much advice to offer.

A capsize was welcome relief from the heat for Steve and Lucy Bohlsen in Interceptor. It was so hot (and fun) that the crew repeatedly requested a repeat performance which was categorically denied by the skipper!

Stuart Symons was teamed with potential new juniors Chris and Cameron Bullock for a shortened Junior race in Puffin that featured a ballet of granny gybes that were thoroughly enjoyed.

With handicaps applied, the results were: Flying Dragon, Flembouyant, Zazoo, Spellbound, Voyager, Puffin, Interceptor and Big Bang.

In the catamaran division, Frank O'Rourke on Turbo hit the start line at full speed, closely followed by Jack Corthals on Crackerjack, Tony Kuhn on Stella and Scott Witchard on Hummer - which is pretty much the same as the result at the other end of the race. Both yardstick and handicap results were identical.

Despite returning late from pre-Christmas family visits and missing the race, Jim Kerrison and Deb Stening took Death Defying out for another practice run prior to the 30th annual MG14 National Championships that start on January 2nd. Good luck! Give them something to follow!

After the event, the usual tall stories came out over festive drinks and BBQ. Compliments to BBQ maestro Cate and Mrs Commodore's legendary salads.

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and nautical holiday.

The next race will be Race 1 of the Summer Season on January 2nd starting at 1pm. Duty roster is still being compiled. If your name is not yet down for duty, please contact Vice Commodore Terry Howard.