Wind: N-NNE-9-12 KNOTS

Tide: 2-14 Knots All over the place!!!! Squalls.

Course: 21AR

Number of Boats: 49

As the fleet left the quiet and safety of the harbour, there were ominous dark clouds hanging about that looked heavy and threatening. However there was fun to be had in the biggest fleet so far this year. The start boat searched for some breeze to lay the line (not to much avail) and the decision where was left as late as possible and the line set just south west of the first mark, the Green Island western cardinal. The early starters got ripped off as there was next to no breeze making many boats late to very late for their start. But they persevered and made their way between Green and St. Helena Islands to the Green Island northern red before a starboard turn (depending on what was happening with the breeze) and down to the Green Island Rec Mark and then out to Hope Banks. The starters after 13:30 had much better wind strength and the results reflected the difference. But you can’t whinge about the conditions, it was still better than work.

The fleet experienced many varied wind shifts, both in strength and direction. At one stage there were over 20 boats within 100 meters of each other all pointing in a different direction? Oh, did I mention it rained. Just to mix it up a bit more. The rest to the race, back between Green and St. Helena, was fairly mundane and with the finish line just north of the harbour entrance where skippers and crew could lower sails and look forward to a drink in the bar. It was still fun!!

Closest to the line: 00:02-ZERO-JEFF
Lucky door prize: FINE COTTON-ROB

Lucky Crew prize: OSCAR TWO-PETER

PB