Yesterday saw competitors for the Tassie Trio of races attend the compulsory pre-race briefing session. Discussion ranged across a variety of safety and procedural issues but was also the first indication of the likely weather.
On the 26th December for the Cock of the Bay race the forecast is pretty constant South, South Westerlies between 14 – 20 knots. This will mean the fleet will start with the wind on the nose and then will need to beat down the coast on route to the finish line in Blairgowrie.
The early forecast for the start of the Melbourne Hobart East and West coast races and the Melbourne to Devonport race on the 27th December should see a better wind direction. Westerlies are forecast but are predicted to be light which could mean a slow start.
Much sacrificing to Huey will be seen in marinas around Port Phillip Bay over the next couple of days, this usually involves strange rituals and the offerings of alcohol and mince pies.
The forecast will firm up in the days to come and the ORCV will keep the fleet up to date.
Jennifer McGuigan
