Wind: SE-15-18 KNOTS

TIDE: L@15:19

Course:  23A

Number of Boats: 30

Maybe it was the forecast of some stronger breezes (20 knots plus from BOM) or maybe it was the possibility of a shower, but the fleet size was down. Those who chose not to race missed a fantastic afternoon on our bay. The breeze never went above 18 knots and more importantly never below 15 knots making it a very consistent sail.

The first leg was a running reach to the western cardinal and it was the same all the way to the St. Helena floating red before a starboard turn took the fleet on a long beat to the Hope Banks Rec. Mark. Once again at the turn there needed some thought from skippers and crew on which way to go. Watching on AIS, the majority stayed left (east) however, going right and keeping out of what was left of the ebb tide seemed to make sense. Hope banks was again a lottery and as the fleet started to compress, very busy. The run back to the Green Island northern red was uneventful and relaxing, however back to the western cardinal and the reach home to the finish became exceptionally competitive and stressful with just on 3 minutes separating the first 18 boats. I think it was more stressful on the finish boat!!!! Great to watch.

Coming Up: Race 5/7 of the Geoff Anderson Memorial Super Series

Closest to the line: 00:00-RECHERCHE-ROB/JOHN/BRYCE
Lucky door prize: JESTER-TONY

Lucky Crew prize: J-9-PEARCE

PB