Three races were scheduled for today, but the day started dull and grey, with an occasional drizzle. Hardly enough to get wet, but just enough to ask why we bother getting up early to get cold and wet.
A quick briefing from the Race Officer, Paul Pascoe, to remind the rescue boats of their duties and explain his plan for the day and they were off. Breeze 8-10 knots from the South with predictions for it to swing to the southwest later in the day: sea state moderate swell up to 1 meter. The first warning (the start of the start sequence) is scheduled for 1055 hours.
Course laid, start boat on station and they were all ready to go. The start was precisely on time and the first race was under way. Clean start and it became clear early on that we had three races in one. The guys at the front of the fleet sailing miles under their belt, the guys who aspire to be up the front, and then the guys who are all just starting their sailing journey. And that was basically how it went for the rest of the day for the Quest fleet.
The Cadets came out about lunchtime for their start – first warning scheduled for 1300 and then squeezed in 3 quick races in a steady south westerly (as predicted) and increasing swell. The starts were close and much discussion on the start line as to rights and obligations. Stressful for some, and fun to watch.
The skies cleared to a bright blue sky, the wind abated somewhat, and the last race was shortened at the top mark as some of the crews were starting to feel the strain. Not as young as they used to be!!!
Ray Smith