After weeks of unseasonably warm weather, a cool drizzly day was a shock to the system for Port Macquarie Sailors who none-the-less keen to get out on the water while permitted by the everchanging NSW Heath Orders.

The first race of the Handicap series set off at the start of the run-out tide, with 7 or 8 knots of patchy southerly breeze and intermittent sprinkles of rain. Regardless of the handicapper’s staggered start times, huge holes in the wind played a large part in the result with several competitors stuck and at times barely making way against the tide.

In the monohull division Roger Shipton in Zazoo edged in front of Terry Howard in Flying Dragon in a close fought race – both starting at the 16 minute mark. Jeff Walsh in Serenity finished next followed by Simon Gandy and Felicity Staedter in Voyager, Steve Bohlsen sailing solo in Interceptor, Martin Holt in Spellbound, Warren Sykes in Runamuck, and Stuart Symons in Gift.

Frank O’Rourke on Turbo was the scratch boat, but made the most of the conditions to take the win in the Catamaran Division. Scott Witchard on Hummer did well crossing the finish line just a minute and half later.

Charlie and Aiden Nosworthy in their new and yet to be named Flying 11 were the only Juniors to compete.  

Next week will be Race 1-5 of the Sprint Series. 12 noon start. Rohan Nosworthy is rostered on duty.

Steve Couch – Publicity Officer

0417 667 879

publicityofficerpmsc@gmail.com