Race 12 was a Club Championship held under what have become regular La Nina conditions of rain and very light winds.
The course was easterly, with a strong ebb tide and a strong surface run off from the recent rains flowing the other way. The water was filthy, brown and opaque and carrying leaves and street rubbish.
Seven boats started in a wind of about 2 knots.
Tranquil (Neil Johnson and Brett Pollitt) and Totally Sinister (Craig Jelfs and Neil Bilsborough) cleared away from the rest of the fleet, followed by Annette (Ron Johnstone and Ben Speed) and Uncle Norm (Eric Partland and Garry Wills). At the first mark Totally Sinister lead followed by Tranquil, Uncle Norm, Aeolian (Darren and Kylie Chignell) and Annette.
At the next mark the boats rounded together.
On the second leg the lead swapped between Uncle Norm, Totally Sinister and Tranquil. At least that is what they report. A very heavy rain squall of about 8 knots from the north east hit the fleet. The race officials, Ken Nagle and Denise Walsh said it was like a white curtain, and they completely lost sight of the harbour and fleet.
Uncle Norm was first around the last mark on the third leg, and lead the run to the finish. Totally Sinister was second and Tranquil third. Then came Aeolian, Annette, Vinca (Russell and Luke Johnston) and Murphy’s Law (David Johnston and Kate Thompson).
Totally Sinister won the handicap, with Aeolian second and Uncle Norm third.
Totally Sinister also leads the championship point score, with Tranquil second and Uncle Norm third. There is one more championship race, to be held on March 19.
Tranquil leads the season point score. Murphy’s Law is coming second and Aeolian third.
