7:00 PM Sat 20 Feb 2010 GMT
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'Geographe Bay Race Week'
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Geographe Bay Race Week 2010 started off in great style today with 12-15 knots from the north west, which swung left during the afternoon forcing a rearrangement of the windward leeward courses sailed by the racing fleets. The three cruising fleets sailed a short passage race.
Midway through the second leg of the windward and return races, the breeze faded and slowly swung left to the point where yachts returning to the finish line were beating, while those behind them still sailing the original upwind leg, went by under spinnaker to the top mark.
Racing was tight, particularly in the sportsboat division, where InSite Racing had to withstand a serious challenge from the leading Melges 24's before claiming line honours. Also reveling in the light conditions were the Viper 640's, making their first appearance at Race Week. Rod Beurteaux's Don't Forget Alice drew first blood for the Vipers by taking the handicap win.
In the Premier Cruising Division (the largest fleet in the regatta) the two ocean racers Eftel and Steel de breeze had to work hard to protect their reputation in the face of some spirited opposition from Winston Scotney's beautiful cruiser Corniche.
With a record 114 boats participating, all is set for a great day on Sunday when all division compete in the long passage race.
Results:
Div 1 (IRC): first: The Next Factor, fastest: Optimus Prime
Div 2 (IRC): first Bad Habits, fastest: Minds Eye
Div 3 (IRC): first R2D2, fastest: Matador
Div 5 (sportsboats): first Don't Forget Alice, fastest: InSite Racing
Div 6: first Desire, fastest: Ocean Cowboy
Div 7: first Arcus, fastest: Eftel
Div 8: first Heaven Can Wait, fastest: Foolish Behaviour
Div 9: first and fastest: Trinity
by Bernie Kaaks
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