Chilly temperature Sunday early morning (1 degree on the Frankston freeway at 8.00 am – straight off the plane from France)… but worth getting out of bed for the courageous sailors who attended the winter coaching session. 

The sun warmed us mid-morning and the sailing conditions were perfect: flat water and 10-14 knots northerly.  6 Optis, 3 Lasers, 2 Sabres, 1 Impulse and 2 Pacers enjoyed the winter coaching. 

After a short lunch break, 3 Lasers, 5 Sabres (additional Sabres from the Vic Association joined), 1 Impulse and 1 Nacra (Robbie Lovig and Michelle Bursa) went back on the water to inaugurate our first winter regatta.  Wil, Lynn and I (supported by Wendy and Adrienne in the tower) managed to run 4 short courses (2.5 saucisses [Ed: I believe French sausages are the same shape as English ones!]).  The sailors loved it as it allowed them to practice starts and round many marks.  The northerly wind was very shifty allowing them to use their brains for tactics and changing in speed (10 to 18 knots). 

By the end of the afternoon, everyone was tired but very pleased with their day, the warm welcome at WYC and the awesome racing conditions.

We are looking at organising more races this winter.  Watch this space!

See plenty of great photos in the WYC Gallery