WIND: NNE-E-7-14 KNOTS

TIDE: L@ 16:26

COURSE: Echo

NUMBER OF BOATS: 46

Another fantastic fleet turned up for another fantastic afternoon of sailing. Conditions out on the bay have been near perfect in the past few weeks and our WAGS afternoon was just the same… near perfect!

The starting line was positioned north of the harbour entrance, greeted by a pleasant 10-knot nor’easter. The ebbing tide played some tricks, resulting in four boats being caught on the wrong side of the line. All of them promptly corrected their course, either via the pin or the start boat, and continued with their sail.

Observing the fleet navigate between Green and St. Helena on their way to the floating red, it became evident that there were numerous wind shifts, causing boats to scatter in various directions. The forecasted northeast winds proved unreliable, with no consistent pattern. This unpredictability persisted during the run out to the Hope Banks RM and back to Lockyer Light, featuring shifts of up to 45 degrees. It proved to be a challenging experience for both skippers and crew.

The last leg, initially planned as a broad reach, unexpectedly transformed into another run. Nevertheless, I am confident that the banter within the fleet must have been lively, mirroring the entertaining conversations heard later in the bar. The race concluded with a remarkably close result, with mere seconds separating many boats and the entire fleet finishing within a span of under 10 minutes. Well done to all!

Coming Up:

Christmas Wags. Looking for best dressed crew and boat.

No Wags-27/12/23

Report by Paul Bolton, Volunteer WAGS Co-ordinator

Results

Closest to the line: 00:00-JESTER-TONY   BAZINGA-CHRISTINE

Lucky door prize: FULL CIRCLE-MEGAN/JASON/LINDSAY

Lucky Crew prize: OBSESSION-MARK