THE last two races of the Austral Championships on Saturday were raced in drastically different conditions to the previous week at the Port MacDonnell Sailing Club.
Light winds with rolling swell made for two more relaxed but no-less challenging races.
A longer-than-expected first race was set by race officer Chris Lynch.
Nick Watson on his Sabre, Billy was the first boat to cross the start line, with David Carlyle on Noelex Sherwin Road close behind.
All nine boats started close together but the distance between the marks saw the fleet spread out.
The positioning of the marks combined with wind conditions allowed for spinnaker use on one leg, which most boats took advantage off, creating a colourful array of sails for anyone watching from shore.
Don McLennan on Sonata Sport Harmony was the first boat to finish after about two hours on the water, ahead of Sherwin Road.
The marks were shifted to shorten second race as the light wind conditions caused the first race to take longer than desired.
The start line was more spread out this time, as four boats all crossed close together.
Once more Billy was the first across the start line, followed by Robin White’s Austral 20 Salt Peter.
The wind had picked up slightly for the second race to provide an extra challenge.
However, Harmony was able to claim line honours again, ahead of Sherwin Road.
This week racing will be held over the entire weekend, with the trailable boats racing on the Saturday and dinghy racing held on the Sunday, weather permitting.
Race Results on Class basic handicap
Race 1: Harmony (D. McLennan); Windy Fred (T. Paltridge); Papillon (M. Ferguson); Billy (N. Watson); Mirage (D. Illman); Minty (S. Dyble); Sherwin Road (D. Carlyle); Pinky (J. Jones); Salt Peter (R. White).
Race 2: Billy (N. Watson); Minty (S. Dyble); Papillon (M. Ferguson); Windy Fred (T. Paltridge); Mirage (D. Illman); Harmony (D. McLennan); Pinky (J. Jones); Sherwin Road (D. Caryle); Salt Peter (R. White).
