Sunday, 5th August 2018
The Bureau forecasted variable winds below 10 knots for Wednesday afternoon. Regardless a group of enthusiastic optimists gathered for the start of race 18 in what, for a Melbourne winter, were balmy conditions. The selection of the 9.9 nautical mile course 14 was an ambitious selection in such a light breeze. However, the 37 yacht fleet all managed to start the race in a SSW breeze that fluctuated around 7 knots. These conditions didn’t last and many yachts, particularly those of heavy displacement, found difficulty in tacking for the first mark. To the relief of some and disappointment of others the race was abandoned at 1451 as the breeze eased. Observations at Fawkner Beacon saw the wind speed halved between 1500 and 1530 and shift in direction from SSW to easterly … Read More