Despite not being present to negotiate bribes, the handicapper for Port Macquarie Sailing Club's 4th handicap start race did a remarkable job. While the fleet had individual starts spanning across 25 minutes, the various classes all met at the finish line in a much closer fashion.

Conditions for the day started with a nice 8-10 knot nor'easter for the first lap, but unfortunately dwindled during the remainder of the afternoon with many holes and swings where experience narrowed the gap in the opposing outbound tide and oppressive heat.

The single-handed monohulls seemed to handle the lighter conditions better than the two-handed competitors - some of whom were heard to discuss diets for their crews next week.

In the monohull division, Martina Holt in Spellbound held off Warren Sykes in Runamuck for a close finish followed by David Makin in Puddy, Roger Shipton in Zazoo, Tony Walker in Deep Purple, Steve Couch in Lazybuoy, Simon Gandy, Andrew and Kieran Copeland in Voyager, Adam Pilcher and Stuart Symons in Elmo, and Grady, Gus and Liz McNee in Better than Ballet.

In the catamaran division, Dion Carle on Scaramouche took the win in front of Tony Kuhn on Stella, Jack Corthals on Harpic, Frank O'Rourke on Dino, and Dave Winter on Spica.

Only one junior team took part with Elsa Gandy and Zoe Copeland in Sailfish recording the win.

Next week will be the Spring Marathon departing from the clubhouse at 12 noon. Kelly Witchard is rostered on duty.