12:42 AM Wed 31 Mar 2010 GMT
The complex nature of the coastal weather suggests the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race tacticians will need to constantly update their strategy.
Generally the coastal weather has become friendlier for offshore fishing with slight seas and soft winds over the past 48 hours.
When dawn broke this morning both Moreton Bay and the open ocean coast between Caloundra and Double Island Point was relatively calm under the grip of a soft sea breeze.
However while the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ului has played a role in distorting the normal seasonal patterns there is a strong chance that the exciting spinnaker sailing South East trade winds will return.
The projected forecast for the start on Bramble Bay at 11 am on Good Friday is for variable south west to south east winds while a more reliable south east breeze possibly spiced with gusts will lift the speed sailing on the open ocean coast between Caloundra and Fraser Island during the important first night at sea.
There is a strong indication the wind will freshen on Saturday with rain squalls spiced with gusts above 20 knots.
This type of forecast is expected to suit the defending line honours champion Black Jack to seal a strong grip on retaining her trophy while her skipper Mark Bradford and owner Peter Harburg enjoy a fast sail across the top of Hervey Bay targeting to finish ahead of her impressive 22 hour 7 minute 18 second course time set 12 months ago.
Meanwhile the 451 sailors crewing 49 yachts continue with the 48 hour count down to what is expected to become a race of many challenges before they step ashore in Gladstone to enjoy the more relaxing environment of the traditional post race party on the deck of the Gladstone Yacht Club.
www brisbanetogladstone.com.au
by Ian Grant
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