Against a backdrop of smoke from bushfires to the north, day 3 of the Club Marine Geographe Bay Race Week 2016 started with a promising fresh south easterly, but as was the case on Monday, it petered out to zero as the sun set in the west and after another difficult day for sailors most would have welcomed the Wednesday lay day.
At the mid-point of the regatta, the division 1 IRC fleet was headed by David Walling’s Farr 40 The Next Factor, helmed by Peter Ahern. Gary McNally’s GP42 Black Betty was next, three points behind, narrowly edging out Anthony Kirke’s Enterprise.
Division 2 IRC saw some of the closest racing in the regatta, with mere seconds separating yachts across the finish line and places switching regularly. After their seven races, Laurie Flynne’s Dynamic led by a single point from her sister Mind’s Eye, sailed by Peter Burtenshaw. The rivalry between these two has been a highlight.
Division 3 for cruiser/racer style yachts developed into an all local affair. Doug Lawler’s Dehler35 Twist n Shout led Ayers Rock with Let’s Dance sharing third place with Nuzulu.
Local yachtsman Doug Kelly’s Catfish headed Division 4 for cruisers with spinnakers, ahead of the S97 Hornet’s nest, sailed by Ron Meyers.
In Division 5 for jib and main yachts, Ken Walker’s Leonie currently leads this division from Jean-Philippe’s French Kiss, not to be confused with division 4’s Beneteau 44.7 of the same name.
– Bernie Kaaks
