After flood debris and light winds cancelled the last two races, it was a very keen and hopeful group of sailors that gathered at Port Macquarie Sailing Club on Sunday for Race 5 of the summer season. The start time was pushed back as conditions teased with a light, patchy and variable breeze that had some desperate to get on the water, and others fearing the frustration of racing with little to no wind.

Eventually three monohulls and one catamaran took to the water with 6-7 knots from the southeast at dead low tide.

Mitch Dawson in Impetuous was well positioned for a great start with all the other competitors no where near the start line when the horn sounded. Simon Gandy and Alex Eglon in Up Beat were quick to catch up by the first mark and for the next lap or so all four boats were in close contact despite all being in different classes.

Fortunately, the wind increased another 1 or 2 knots and getting around the course was assured. Stuart Symons and Harrison Eglon in Elmo had a great race and appeared to be taking on Dave Winter on Spica. Impetuous broke a soft shackle on the vang and unfortunately couldn’t keep up the pace. Across the line, results were Up Beat, Spica, Elmo, and Impetuous.

In the Monohull division, the yardstick result saw Impetuous take the win followed by Up Beat and Elmo. With handicaps applied, Impetuous continued the winning form, with Elmo and Up Beat shuffling places.

As the only catamaran entrant, Spica recorded both yardstick and handicap wins.

Next week will be Sprint Races 21-25 with the first race starting at 12 noon. Paul Robertson is rostered on duty.