After three weeks of light conditions the crews were glad to see some solid breezes.

Three 125 and two pacer crews set out to test their skills in a handicap start in the first race. The father and son crew of Chris and Sebastian Trenberth in Smorstok headed off first with the two pacer crews of Millie Nankivell and Isobele Murphy, and Andrew and Russell Stanley.

Mark Lewis and Matt Trenberth followed at one minute in Voodoo and last to start were the gun crew of Peter Henderson and Roy Gossink in Carnivore at eight minutes. Voodoo passed Smorstok to be first to the top mark but capsized setting the spinnaker and surrendered the lead.

Carnivore carved her way through the field, finally catching Smorstok at the start of the last windward leg. Voodoo got up and sailing again but could not make up the deficit to catch Smorstok again.

Carnivore sailed away to win by three minutes in another impressive effort.

In the pacers the young crew of Millie Nankivell and Isobele Murphy sailed exceptionally well to keep upright in the difficult conditions, but could not match the heavier crew of Andrew and Russell Stanley who sailed away to a comfortable win.

In the second 125 race Smorstok went head to head with Carnivore after Voodoo had to retire before the start. Amy Russ replaced Sebastian Trenberth at the front of Smorstok and they were given an increased advantage by the handicapper.

Smorstok was almost at the top mark when Carnivore was given the starting flag. Carnivore took off well, however, the crew struck technical problems setting their spinnaker for the first reach and were unable to recover and pulled out.

Smorstok looked very solid, until they encountered some problems with a moored boat that marked the finish line.

Sailing is back to its usual Saturday time slot this weekend. Sail training for juniors or any interested beginners starts at 10am with racing starting at 2pm.

Following racing fish and chips will be on the menu in the clubhouse.

n By Andrew Stanley