A very challenging Commodore's Cup was held by Port Macquarie Sailing Club on Sunday in light-to-no-wind and a fairly strong outgoing tide. During the briefing, the wind seemed to be coming in and three races each of two laps was decided. But a lack on wind once the boats hit the water meant that only one race could be held and even that was shortened to one lap.
Frank O'Rourke on Zero and Simon Gandy in Voyager were both lucky to find some puffs of breeze to start in a reasonably timely manner, followed a little while later by Jeff Wash in Serenity. Tony Kuhn on Stella and Stuart Symons in Nomad fought the tide valiantly for 40 to 50 minutes to cross the start line just ahead of Zero crossing the finish line. Dave Winter on Spica and Scott Witchard on Hummer struggled to make a start.
Voyager was able to finish in second place before having to wait for another puff of breeze while hanging on to a starboard channel marker to avoid being dragged downriver by the tide.
Third across the line was Serenity. The other competitors capitulated to the conditions, after which the duty officer was kept busy towing boats back to the beach with only Zero returning unassisted.
On Saturday, six boats from Port made the short trip south to Queens Lake Sailing Club for the annual 'Queen of the Lake' race which also endured the same very light-to-zero breeze, but had the advantage of no tide. Paul Robertson and Martina Holt rigged Flembouyant, and Warren Sykes was ready with Runamuck, but neither decided to launch. Terry Howard made a start in Flying Dragon, but soon turned back to the beach in frustration.
Jeff Walsh in Serenity, Simon Gandy and Esra Mert in Voyager and Steve Bohlsen in Interceptor all (slowly) completed the course which was also shortened to just one triangular lap of the lake.
From a PMSC perspective, Serenity won Division 1 (monohulls without spinnaker) with Voyager in second place. While Interceptor won Division 2 (catamarans and monohulls with spinnaker).
Thanks to QLSC for a great, fun event (even without the breeze).
Next sailing event at Port Macquarie is the Easter Cup, held over two races starting 11am and 2pm. A volunteer is still being sought for duty.
