After missing races for the past two weeks because of a lack of wind and an abundance of fresh and debris from recent rain, it was a keen and optimistic crew that gathered at Port Macquarie Sailing Club today for the 8th Handicap start race of the year.
A light 5-6 knots from the SSW teased as everyone rigged and launched, but as the countdown started for the first few boats, the wind dropped and those most in need of the head start suffered the indignity of drifting backwards away from the line.
By the time the wind came back enough to make headway, 13 minutes ahead of the scratch boat, the middle of the fleet was free to start and there was some intense action on the start line ahead of an extremely slow and painful lap.
Thankfully, the fresh coming down the river cancelled out the incoming tide and competitors were able to move between puffs which became more consistent as the race progressed and quite good at the finish.
In the monohull fleet, it was a case of those who were in the right position at the right time. Simon Gandy and Alex Eglon in Voyager crossed the line first, closely followed by Andrew Richards in Impulsive. Roger Shipton in Zazoo was next followed by Martina Holt in Spellbound, and Terry Howard in Flying Dragon. Jeff Walsh in Serenity had to backtrack to a mark he forgot which gave Steve Couch in Lazybuoy the chance to sneak in front - but only just. Stuart Symons and Harrison Eglon in Elmo had a great time until the one gust of the day had them sailing in pirouettes, but they managed to keep the sail pointing upwards and finished the race. Steve and Lucy Bohlsen in Interceptor didn’t finish the event.
In the catamaran division, Tony Kuhn on Stella recorded the win, in what he admitted was only his 3rd race at Port Macquarie this year. Rob Barwick on Drift was sailing well and finished not too far behind, followed by Scott Witchard on Hummer and Dave Winter on Spica.
Next week will be the Easter Cup with several races held over the day, the first starting at 11am. A barbecue lunch will be available in between races. Stuart Symons is rostered on duty.
