Not plain sailing in this heat

YACHT racing in the current tropical conditions of light wind, heavy humidity and the occasional downpour is enough to test both the skills and the patience of the competitors.

Add to that an attack by ferocious mosquitoes when you are becalmed off Gatcombe Heads and it is no surprise that many crews called in sick for the weekend race to Great Keppel Island.

The forecast of light north-easterly winds and the ever-threatening grey skies resulted in several crews opting out of the race, leaving Liquidator, Thylacine and Wistari to head off at twilight on Friday evening.

Mike Phillips, owner of Thylacine, said the progress of the race was slow.

“We started in six knots of breeze and quickly hoisted a spinnaker, but the breeze softened as we passed QAL and dropped to zero knots at times.

“We managed to make headway of two to four knots with the outgoing tide, until we passed Gatcombe Heads under a light number one headsail,” he said.

Liquidator was first past the Fairway Buoy followed by Wistari and Thylacine.

“As night closed in, we made slow speed north following the Rumb line, until the wind died leaving us becalmed off Rundle Island,” said Mr Phillips.

Wistari had gone a bit further off shore and managed to catch a bit of breeze, while Liquidator decided to call it a day and headed back to the club pontoon in time for a late Saturday breakfast.

“As a breath of wind kicked in, we continued with Wistari, until the darkening skies ahead made us decide to prepare for storms.

“The rain squall only lasted an hour, but did bring a good 15 knot and 90 degree shift in the wind, enabling us to again fly a spinnaker for the last 10 miles of the race,” Mike said.

Thylacine completed the race at 5.50 pm on Saturday afternoon with Wistari passing the finish line 30 minutes in front.