LAST Saturday provided a walk-on-the-beach kind of day for the Port MacDonnell Sailing Club for the first leg of the Austral Championship races.
A seven-boat fleet spectators eyes peeled, with no shortage of action.
A calmness greeted the sailors in the opening race but the wind increased as the day progressed.
Race 1 started in near perfect condition flat sea and 15 knots from the west but ended in the mid-to-high 20’s by the end of the second race.
All boats and crew made it through with only one boat needing an extra pull from the rescue boat to get back into the harbour after the race finished.
The first race saw class results go to Freycinet, from Mirage and Papillon.
Club handicap results gave Mirage first place, Easy Going second and Freycinet third.
The second race saw class results again go to Freycinet, this time from Farr-merr and Easy Going.
Club handicap results saw Mirage first, Easy Going second and Salt Peter in third.
The finals of the Austral championship will take place on Saturday, with plenty for spectators to enjoy.
Options to help crew a boat are still available, with anyone interested urged to contact the club for more information.
