TESTING conditions dominated the sprint series held on picturesque Queens Lake on Saturday as the myriad of wind strengths when accompanied by varied direction increasingly frustrated the 10 boat strong fleet. The first race held up a desirable 10 knots from the north east, steadily easing throughout the second race while the third and final race was characterised by absolutely no wind in which spinnakers took on the appearance of drooping hankies and then at last to a screaming, most welcome 25 knots .

A close first race was had by the two cherubs resulting finally in the defeat of The Scream and a victorious Indefatigable, whilst mere seconds were the difference between the Cats Mind Over Motor-(Ray Lance) in at third and Serial Thriller (Dan lance) at fourth - scratch results.

The second race saw a more favourable breeze for the catamarans as Mind Over Motor took out first, followed by The Scream who joyfully took a morale boosting win over Indefatigable, with Kim Lentz’s Domino not too far behind. Tight racing was enjoyed between the Tasars Beaujolais, Rumpus, Highly Explosive and the Northbridge Senior Rockhopper.

Queens Lake starting antics where at their best for the third race, and no doubt proved quite a spectacle for the rescue crew, who saw a typical barge start unravel before them and result in a three boat collision with copious amounts of ramming occur. With the conditions being the most variable during this race patience was required in the light air. As the 25 knot gusts approached, it was visible as a clear definite line dividing the lake, and it was those working the northern side who revelled in the benefit of this added wind strength whilst those who weren’t could only enviously wait in inconsistent light air amidst immense frustration accompanied with the utterance of much profanity. The latter being most concentrated aboard the aptly named The Scream. The two cherubs crossed the line first, with the Tasars-(Highly Explosive, Beaujolais and Rumpus) close behind. The three spinnaker boats also enjoyed a great post-race ride.