Port Macquarie Sailing Club members appeared to be more interested in the Bathurst 1000 today with just three crews rigging up to sail in some of the strongest winds so far this season.
Originally slated as the first 5 Sprint races, the low turn out and strong conditions resulted in a change of plan with a special one off “Hastings 1000” contested in jest.
All three competitors made a good start into the strong run-out tide and 15 knot sou’wester that recorded gusts up to 25 knots.
Frank O’Rourke on Turbo was first around the upwind marks and onto a very fast downwind leg. Jim Kerrison and Deb Stening in the newly rechristened Death Defying Too had some screaming fast kite runs that included textbook lessons on how to gybe quickly and professionally under pressure with the spinnaker out. Jeff Walsh in Serenity was the third contestant in the special one-off event. Unfortunately, turning onto the last upwind leg of the race, the forestay gave way and Serenity was towed back to the beach with the mast laying along the deck.
So, Turbo wins the inaugural “Hastings 1000” Catamaran Division, while Death Defying Too took the line honours for the Monohull Division.
Next week will be Race 4 of the Spring Season starting 11am followed by 2nd Club Championship Race starting at 2pm. Terry Howard is rostered on duty. A barbecue lunch will be available in between races.
