With another day of fluctuating breezes greeting the fleet at the start line, the AP came into force for a short time to ensure that there was some breeze to commence the race. Racing got under way at 11.35 with the Sydney 380D sailing with light south to south-westerly winds.

Tacticians had their work cut out for them today. In the Sydney 380D, the majority of the fleet opted for the westerly side of the course which was closer to shore, but those who wanted to gamble went out to the east in an effort to pick up some breeze and then gybe back into the racing line.  Anthony & Alison Pickering’s  Love Byte placed first in the Sydney 38 OD Division.

“The race was a tight tussle in light winds  and the sailing was enjoyed by  all onboard. Shy kite legs were the key to catch the leader” said Beau Dixon, onboard Perfect Match, Division F, second place. Other winners in Division F were Wave Dancer (1st), skippered by Rob McConchie/Brad Allen and Phillips Foote Witchdoctor third.

Andrew Short’s ASM Brindabella finished with a win in Division A, with You’re Hired second and Vanguard third.

In Division B, Panther placed first, Revolution Edake second and Tulip third.

In Division G, third place Glen Stanaway’s Dart SB3 found the day was an exercise of being in the right place at the right time. In the first half of the race there were massive gains in finding breeze, in fact any breeze at all. “Many in the fleet shared what seemed like long periods where there was zero wind and the tide was pushing us backwards destroying any chances of a respectable finish.”
 
“One of the most frustrating moments in the race was on the first leg approaching the Garden Island mark, getting to one boat length from it but then having the breeze disappear and the tide just gently and slowly sweep you back away from it. It was some kind of cruel joke as the other Dart SB3 who rounded a few minutes before us, happily hoisted her kite and on a tight reach shot away at probably a good 10 knots of boat speed.”
 
“However as we managed to find breeze again we were able to work the Dart SB3 through the larger fleet, and fluked upon some nice wind on just the right angle to hitch a spectacular ride under kite to the Lady Bay mark which pulled us towards the front of Division G. We managed to hold on to this and score a respectable 3rd.”said Glen Stanaway, owner & skipper of Dart SB3.
 
An observation from the Dart SB3 crew is that this year’s Audi Winter Series fleet displays essential sportsmanship and goodwill.

Other division winners were Cabernet Sauvignon (Division C), Vamos (Division D), The Business (Division E), Wave Dancer (Division F), If Not Why Not (Division G),  Jagged Edge (Division H), The Red Hand (Division J) and Spirit of Freya (Division K).

Remember if you have not entered yet and wish to be in the pointscore you must enter before next week’s race – Race 5.
With 4 drops this year you can still enter – and win!
Casual entries are of course accepted throughout the Audi Winter Series. – Jennifer Crooks