North Sails once again generously sponsored their regatta this season.  The sailing was fantastic the prizes were great and the wine supplied by North kept all the vocal cords well lubricated while the Sonnets thrashed out their protest that delayed the prize giving.

The forecast all week was for fresh to strong southerly winds.  On Sunday morning the club was a hive of activity with many sailors trying to decide ‘should I or shouldn’t I sail today’ while the wind was moderate to fresh southerly.  Our duty officer (Leanne Holliday, filling in for Ken!) and Viv the race officer set the course for the four races.  We were schedules to sail two races in the morning before lunch and another two in the afternoon.  The first race would finish to weather of the top mark while the second would finish back at the clubhouse.

The wind increased all morning to around 18 knots.  The second race provided for a spectacular reach from the top mark all the way down the length of the vlei to mark number two and then the tricky beat back to the finish in front of the clubhouse.  We came in for lunch and then went out for two more of the same – with the wind a few clicks stronger.  Countless sailor’s legs and bodies ‘cracked’ after the third race which saw them heading for home.  Those that stayed out and raced once again had the exciting reach from the weather mark all the way down to number 2 mark.  The rescue boats had a busy afternoon with all the capsized boats.

Once again we had a competitive Extra fleet, the 420’s were sailed very well and going very fast and it was also good to see the mirrors sailing.  The Optimists enjoyed some very close racing as did most of the other classes.

Thanks to all the volunteers who ensured that we could run a regatta.  Thanks Julie for the great pictures and regatta poster.

• Click here to view the results (updated 10/11/09)