The expense of running a boat (bring on another thousand/trillion) shows when a free drink at the halfway mark at another BOAT draws a record number of entries for the annual ocean races from HYC to Mindarie and return. With the wee blue voucher slip tucked firmly in the pocket, worth every bit of a secondhand shackle, the sailors set off to beat westwards to Little before returning to Cow Rocks and running north to Mindarie.

The breeze was a light sou-westerly but the promise of it building ensured a pretty quick run and arrival before the first voucher could be surrendered. The staggered start for the 23boats across three divisions meant the chase was on for the back markers to catch those in front, lest the beer run out. Some went outside Burns Beach rocks whilst others nodded to the reef as they passed on the inside of the rocks out of respect for those who went aground previously.

In a fine display of downwind spinnaker sailing Mark Pitt’s Mulberry crew pulled off a remarkable first and fastest in division one, holding off POG, IRC winner Bad Habits (Ian Holder) with Sophia (Bruce Utting) in third place just 11 seconds behind on corrected time. The JAM boats competing in division one did not fare well without a spinnaker, but would have redemption on the return journey into the wind.

In division two Tim Tucker’s Show Me almost came unstuck tangling with Perle and Panache on the run to the line but prevailed to win by 14 seconds from fastest performer Farrouk (Des and Gail Riley) whilst Panache (Geoff James) paid the penalty coming third a further 10 seconds adrift. Gentleman Jim Hardy would advise letting yachts through who are in different races; there are benefits for all.

Surviving the Rockingham cruise with the strong onshore nor-westerlies, Donetes (Hugh de Vries) came back stronger and wiser for the experience to record a convincing win in division three. Second was Ken and Des Luplau’s Beneteau First 35, La Premiere whilst fastest in the division, Lamotrek (John Akers) was third.

After cashing in the treasured blue vouchers and a bite to eat the sailors were ready to go again. Ian Holder, perhaps as penance for being too close to the rabbit boat last year, steered Bad Habits westwards on port tack from the rock wall for two minutes, thus establishing the start line for the return race. Twenty two on the start-line was potentially a recipe for disaster with many opting for the funnel between beach and Burns Beach rocks whilst others sought clear air by going around.

JAM boats Seachange (John Gregory, Hugh Burton, Cass Castalanelli, David Boyd) and Mimosa (Tony Brooke) revelled in the strong sou-westerly on the long, single beat back to HYC finishing first and second on corrected time. Also suited to the conditions, Perle was third. Whispering Jack (Bruce Bradford) was fastest and Mimosa second fastest, in division one.

Farrouk continued her excellent renewal with a first and fastest in division two ahead of Blue Chip (Keith and Deborah Fisk) and Panache recorded another third placing.

Donetes made it two in a row in division three with Kind of Blue (Boyd Timler) appreciating the conditions coming second and La Premiere in third place.

Overall the trophy winners were Mulberry, Farrouk and Donetes, however the Ocean Series is wide open with much depending on the final two races to and from Rottnest, March 22/23.

Many thanks to the start/finish team in the HYC tower and on the rock wall at Mindarie: Rob Gouldsmith, Gary Kaye, Sue Carter, Sally Simmonds and Louise Harvey. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

John Bird