The strongest high pressure system in recent memory held up the arrival of the weekend’s cold front, giving race management some curly decision-making on Sunday for Race 3 of the HYC winter series.

As is often the case with winter racing, it is rarely Goldilocks conditions with either too little wind or too much. The gale warning forecast on Saturday kept the FSC Valmadre offshore race fleet ashore, but just a little extra weather analysis and patience allowed the HYC Keelboat Racing fleet of 14 to hit the water just half an hour later than planned in the 15-25 knot westerly on a confused sea. Those preparing for their handicap adjusted start times enjoyed a brisk morning shower before being treated to a full length rainbow over the start line.


After their success in Race 2, the big boats were back for another crack in division one with Whispering Jack (sailing with an adjusted handicap due to the experience of guest Sydney to Hobart skipper Kingsley Piesse) finishing first ahead of second placed (although fastest) Lithium with Mulberry third.

Farrouk powered her way through the swell and the division two fleet to finish first (and fastest) ahead of Not Negotiable and Helga. Helga, just a little too close behind at one point….with Show Me and Pinta not far behind. The bigger boats in each fleet took only a few turning marks to chase down the early starters getting bashed up by the primary and secondary swell.

Three retirements from division three left Kind of Blue (fastest), La Premiere and Intuition to finish in that order, with Intuition sailing the second half of the race with only their mainsail, having ripped the genoa in half. Stelfred, Vaya Con Dios and Hard Evidence also bravely faced the atrocious conditions, but sailing somewhat short-handed, elected to retire from the race.

Tim Tucker