FOR members of Queenslake sailing club, the emergence of a Saturday characterised by a 15-18 knot East north Easterly meant a preordained day of perfect conditions for the 10 boats who entered into the spring sprint series. The light sea breeze and clear skies where quite a contrast to the torrential flooding experienced by the mid north coast last weekend.

Most were keen to hit the water to face the best conditions this season, and the absence of the club’s notorious catamaran sailors saw the start lines of all three races develop into a symphony of camaraderie by crew members and opposition alike. For the duration of the first race Port Macquarie sailors Paul and Alex Robertson where a speck of yellow in the distance, and their Tasar “Phlembouyant” crossed the finish line in under 30 mintues. They were closely followed by The Scream, Beaujolais, Highly Explosive and Bumsteer. Taking up the rear where Indefatigable, Bails and Spindoctor. A capsize early in the race by John and Merridy Hudson aboard “Rumpus” deemed them unable to finish. The reappearance of the cherub, Black Heart, was welcomed by those in the class and the club.

The second race was seen as an opportunity to improve results and performance by many. Paul Robertson aboard Phlembouyant crossed the line in first place yet again, frustrating the occupants of The Scream who came in at second. The Scream and long time rival Indefatigable enjoyed some intense kite runs, as sibling rivalry developed to the extreme. Chris Watt proved his skippering skills to be proficient as he pulled Indefatigable into third place. Beaujolais followed by Highly Explosive, and Bumsteer where the next to cross the finish line. Bails, Rumpus and Spindoctor subsequently followed.

The winds that strengthened for the third race better suited The Scream who completed the course in the best time of the day. Phlembouyant followed by Indefatigable, Beaujolais and Highly explosive where next to sail over the line. Bumsteer, Rumpus, Spindoctor took up the rear as Bails pulled out with a broken mast.

The overall scratch results where Phlembouyant in at first, closely followed by The Scream at second and Beaujolais third. It was great to see cohesion between Port Macquarie sailing club and Queenslake on the day and thanks is due to the start boat manned by Commodore George Watt and adept sailor Martina Holt on a great course.