By Ross Chisholm
After a couple of weeks with very light breeze, it was nice to be back to 15 knot south easterly for last Wednesday’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club. A fleet of 17 boats faced the starter for an enjoyable race in flat waters and another spectacular Airlie Beach sunset.
In the first start, Reignition (Charles Wallis) timed their run to the start perfectly, crossing in front of the fleet to take out the Doyle Sails sponsored best start, but it was Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) who led the fleet around the first mark of the course. Behind them, Reignition was joined by QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with the rest of the fleet in their wake. Bobby’s Girl increased their lead on every leg of the course with the exception of the last one, where QMS Ponyo closed the gap to cross the finishing line just 20 seconds behind, with Reignition a further minute back. On corrected time, Wide Load (Shannan Hart) took the honours from Reignition and Treasure VIII (Rob Davis).
Next away was Division 3 with Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) leading the fleet away, but the conditions appeared to suit Aquatarius (Tom Parker) as they opened up a good lead. However Wobbly Boot were determined to stay in touch, finally closing to cross the finishing line just 6 seconds clear of Aquatarius. These two boats held a 5 minute lead over third placed Rossgo (Greg Hammon). Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) took the handicap prize from Aquatarius and Lama (Heather Sutton).
Although G’nome (Terry Archer) won the start, Malice (Clayton & Graham Matthews) led at the first mark, but having to complete 4 laps to G’nome’s 3 laps, saw the smaller trimaran cross the finishing line 5 minutes ahead. After the handicap system kicked in, this margin was reduced to just 40 seconds in G’nome’s favour.
Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results. Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm.
