Jim Kerrison and Deb Stening took full advantage of a nice 10 knot nor’easter to cross the finish line a good 10 minutes ahead of the nearest competitor in monohull division of Port Macquarie Sailing Club’s 5th race of the spring season. Even with yardsticks applied, the win was 5 minutes ahead of Jeff Walsh in Serenity with his new straight mast. Throughout the race, Serenity had quite the battle with Terry Howard in Flying Dragon but was able to sneak in front when it mattered the most.
Despite an inelegant start, Martina Holt in Spellbound brewed up fourth place with particularly fast downwind legs. Warren Sykes returned from holidays to crew for Paul Robertson in Flembouyant and despite crossing the line second behind Death Defying, they were pulled back down to 5th place in the yardstick results.
Steve Bohlsen and Chris Lloyd in Interceptor and Steve Couch in Lazybuoy rounded out the results. Tony Walker in Deep Purple was caught out by a larger gust immediately following a gybe in the second lap and after righting the boat headed back to the beach instead of finishing the race.
With handicaps applied, the results were: Serenity, Interceptor, Death Defying Too, Spellbound, Flembouyant, Flying Dragon and Lazybuoy.
In the catamaran division, Jack Corthals on Crackerjack took the win hook, line and sinker… Literally. But was not lucky enough to also bring home dinner on the end of the line. Dave Winter on Spica continued to enjoy they spring sailing with a second place. Handicap results were a carbon copy.
Next week will be Sprint Races 1-5 starting at 12 noon. Jack Corthals rostered on duty.
