At the starting line most boats aimed for the bottom end of the line with only Mark, Jake and Liam starting at the top end of the line, resulting in very close sailing between them and Reece, Julian and Aude. Had it not been for Mark’s quick thinking and his being able to tack away, there may well have been a few holes in their boats causing “Titanic-like” conditions.

The two boats of Shannon, Ben, Chloe and Gaby, and Darren, Kelly Ann and Liam were first off the line, jostling for front position with the four other 420s of Ryan, Jara and Hannah, Damian, Marcus and Chad, and the boats skippered by Reece and Mark, sorting it out for minor placing.

Andrew and Ashleigh were bringing up the rear end in their slower class Heron, but I’m sure Andrew was pleased that he was finishing a whole race only a few minutes behind the faster 420s.

The race continued with Shannon taking out line honours, Darren coming in second and Ryan having worked his way through the field to come in a very respectable third. Skippers Damian, Reece, Mark, who ended up having a swim and losing a couple of places, and Andrew made up the minor placings.

The final placings were: 1 Shannon Blackham, Ben Duregon, Chloe Blackham, Abby Xanthopolous; 2 Darren Zippel, Kelli-Ann Page, Liam Pope; 3 Ryan Rogers, Jara Prince, Hannah Stevens; 4 Damian Jacobsen, Marcus Tanke and Chad Duregon; 5 Reece Watkins, Julian Lea and Aude; 6 Mark Prince, Jake Duregon and Liam Pope; 7 Andrew and Ashleigh Xanthopolous.

A great night was enjoyed by all and new sailors are always welcome.