103 boats converged on Lake Wellington Yacht Club last Saturday to compete in the 49th Marlay Point Overnight Yacht Race (MPONR).  This was my 13th time in the race, and it continues to be the best fun and most learning I have on a yacht year after year.  I sail on an Ultimate 23, Inspiration, with skipper and owner Andrew Mackenzie and regular MPONR crew member Don Grimmit.  This year Don's son Harry joined us for his first MPONR.  

The race starts at 1945 at dusk and the course is across Lake Wellington to the McLennan Straits, then across Lake Victoria and into Lake King, finishing at my other yacht club, Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club in Paynesville. 

The wind didn't look too auspicious for the start, because it was coming from the East.  An easterly means a very long night!  However, the wind gods were on our side because the wind not only shifted around so we could fly the kite on and off from the middle of the first lake, it also held for most of the night, against all predictions.  The other thing that assisted us in this year's race, was that the mist and fog that usually obscures vision and sound held off, and that the moon was so bright it lit the sky.  This assisted us to avoid those stealth boats that are not using their lights, for whatever reason!   

After approximately 69 times raising and lowering the kite, we finished at 0557, going across the line in 11th position in Division A, and finishing 5th on handicap.

The next MPONR is the 50th and it will be huge.  I really encourage anyone with a trailable, cat or sport boat to join us next Labour Day Weekend at Marlay Point to participate in all the fun and adventures.

The results can be seen HERE