There were thrills and spills on the Hastings River on Sunday for the first race of Port Macquarie Sailing Club's Handicap start series. The race started with a decent southerly of 15 knots that increased during the afternoon. 22-23 knot gusts combined with turbulence from the trees and buildings on the southern side of the river made it a challenging race. Even experienced crews dipped sails into the water including Runamuck and Hummer capsizing right at the start line to the entertainment spectators in the clubhouse.

Death Defying lived up to her name with a spectacular spill, but in the great sailing tradition, despite being injured, tangled and dragged behind the boat, skipper and crew recovered to complete the course. Elmo on the other hand had to withdraw after her boom snapped completely in half.

Elsa Gandy was the only competitor in the junior division to brave the conditions and took a well deserved win.

The catamaran division, was lead home by Frank O'Rourke on Dino, followed by Dave Winter on Spica, and Scott Witchard on Hummer. Perhaps the dip at the start of the race interfered with Hummer's lap counter since officials reported that Hummer completed one more lap than required?

Steve Couch on Lazybuoy managed to cross the line just in front of Rohan Nosworthy who was fast catching up in the monohull division. Third across the line was Paul Robertson and Caleb Bohlsen on Flembuoyant, Warren Sykes on Runamuck, Kelly Witchard on Devocean, Martina Holt on Spellbound, Jim and Deb Kerrison on Death Defying and Tony Walker on Deep Purple.

Stuart Symons and Matt Deacon on Elmo and Adam Pilchard and crew on Puffin did not finish.

On Sunday the club will hold the first round of the Sprint Series with Stuart Symons rostered on duty.

Steve Couch - Publicity Officer

0417 667 879

publicityofficerpmsc@gmail.com