The sun was shining but with a Northerly wind, far stronger than was forecast, Force 5 that greeted the sailors as they arrived at the clubhouse. Race Officer Terry Marks organised a starboard hand course for the first race – but due to the wind shifts it was flipped to a port hand course for the second
In the Handicap Fleet it was the first outing for Steve Patten in his newly acquired Solo.
The conditions were exhilarating for the one Enterprise that started the race – with the experience of helm Jeremy Williams ensuring that his crew Di Stephens had no time to rest during the beat or incredibly fast reach in the second race.
Four Lasers left the slipway but the conditions in the harbour were so tricky that only two made it to the start line. The wind was so strong that both lasers capsized and made the decision to retire before the end of the second race
Four Mirrors headed towards the start line. As the tide was low Eric Taylor and his crew Aoife Mooney walked out as far as possible before jumping in and sailing out of the harbour. George Schmidt and Lloyd Williams were next to get out of the harbour and reached towards the Mount, however the gusty conditions proved too daunting for them and they tacked and retired.
Junior Sebi Schmidt was unfortunately forced to retire before reaching the harbour mouth as his main halyard broke and he too had to return to the clubhouse.
Single handed Dean Mooney joined Eric at the start line. At the starting horn Dean had the windward side and fought to prevent Eric pulling clear. Eric slowed and allowed Dean get ahead – sailed to windward and pulled alongside Dean at the first mark. Dean had to give Eric water and lost a little ground and Eric retained the lead until the finish.
