DATE:  16/4/2025

WIND:  Variable “southerly”

TIDE: L@17:19-0.57m

COURSE: 20B

NUMBER OF BOATS: 40

When the course for the afternoon was chosen, it was supposed to be a simple reach, beat, run and finish. However due to the amount of wind shifts and varying wind strength it turned into a very challenging sail.

The start line was set just west of the beach on Green Island and with the forecast southerly, it should have been a nice steady windward leg to Lockyer Light. Wow, it was definitely not that! The start boat recorded 60 degree shifts and a variation of 5-20 knots in wind strength. There were boats going all over the place. The ebbing tide probably didn’t help. I’m sure everyone was relieved to get to Lockyer and start a very quick and plain reach to Hope Banks. A starboard rounding at the mark and it was another beat to the reinstated Peel Island Rec. Mark. Great to have it back! From there it should have been a lovely run back to Hybers Light, but the breeze faded and the fleet slowed and compressed allowing many conversations between boats. Slowly the breeze filled from the south west and then went back to south east, just for something different, and delivered everyone home to the finish line set just south of the outer leads. It was challenging but still a great day!!

Please see the amendment to the Sailing Instructions as to the change in date of the final race for the Geoff Anderson Memorial Super Series. Now to be held on 30/4/2025

Coming Up: Race 6/6 Super Series 30/4/2025

Closest to the line: 00:00-BROADSWORD-PETER
Lucky door prize: WHITEBIRDS-PAUL

Lucky Crew prize: WAGTAIL-JOHN

PB