Good Friday greeted the fleet with gentle winds and good sunshine.
Predator were short of crew but a discussion with Mojito saw some of the Mojito crew joining Predator for the day to guarantee some good racing. The fleet also welcomed Mike Banner's Skyfall, a Sun Odyssey 33 to the racing. The gentle winds dropped as the last boats crossed the finish line so it was decided to call it a day after just the one race. Mojito 1st, Predator 2nd and Skyfall 3rd.

The forecast Saturday was for less winds but the fleet were getting a steady 15-16 kts in hazy sunshine. The wind stayed fairly constant to enable the fleet to get two races and some good sailing. Skyfall pushing hard on Mojito at the line trying for a hook meant that Mojito had to protect her position by sailing further down the line. All boats started on time. Mojito finished 1st, Predator 2nd and Skyfall 3rd. In the 2nd race, Predator missed a mark, only realising at the last minute. They headed back to the correct mark but by this time Mojito was already 3marks in front of them so they decided to sail off and enjoy a good day on the water.  Mojito 1st and Skyfall 2nd.

Sundays forecast was for rain and a force 5 gusting 6 however getting out to the start line boats were only experiencing 5-10kts. This built to a steady 10-16kts in the first race enabling a solid race. Mike Banner's Skyfall got a good start as they had been all weekend, unlike Mojito who had had some very poor starts - last over the start line in almost every race. Predator and Jeepster timed it about right, just behind Skyfall on the line. Once underway, everyone settled into the racing. It was evident that Predator were upping their game after nearly three days on the water, whilst Jeepster were still settling in after their winter break. A few problems with spinnaker hoists and drops left them trailing Predator and Mojito. The final result, Mojito 1st over the line, predator 2nd and Jeepster 3rd.
With the wind building, the second race made use of the wind direction to get some perfect windward/leeward racing between Mark 2 and the fairway buoy. Although the wind at the start had built to 22kts it was falling again and becoming patchy with big shifts. At the end of the first lap Mojito tacked too early taking a massive header as they did so, allowing Predator to take the lead.  Both boats found some wind holes with just 2kts experienced and consequently a shortened course was announced. Mojito were able to gain some ground again in the lighter air with a spinnaker peel from A4 to A2. The second time through the line and Mojito were able to keep Predator out just long enough to take line honours only 12 seconds in front.

Easter Monday and the final day with just one race scheduled. Predator and Mojito wanted to add another race to make up for the one missed on Friday but sadly it was the weather that was to make the final decision. What started as a steady 10kts from the east appeared to get patchy. With just one mark to round before heading to the finish and with a big lead, Mojito fell into what appeared to be a wind hole further offshore.  Predator, taking a more inshore route looked like they would stay in the wind and take the race from them but as they approached Gimlet rock they too slowed down and it was evident that there was little wind anywhere in the bay. Jeepster were the first to retire with crew commitments elsewhere but Predator and Mojito were determined to stick it out to the 3hour time limit - it was after all a glorious day and where better to be, than out on the water. Unfortunately Predator's inshore passage left them little room to sit it out as the incoming tide pushed them closer to gimlet rock, so they too turned on their engine and motored home. Mojito, enjoying the weather, decided to have a spot if lunch and reassess the conditions afterwards. The decision - to sample the beers at SCYC and back to the bar at PSC - a tour of the local sailing clubs. Race abandoned.

It was agreed by all out on the water that it was a great weekend of sailing. Thanks to all that came out to play. We'd love to hear from anyone wanting to join the races or looking to crew on a boat. Please contact the club if you are interested.