Port Macquarie Yacht Club staged their annual inshore regatta on Sunday.
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A fleet of six local boats participated in a program of four races.
The first two would be sailed over the Short River course between the Town Green and Settlement Point.
The action would then shift to a course laid between the Settlement Point and Hibbard Ferry crossings.
The morning's two races would prove a real challenge for crews as they struggled to cope with the fierce flood tide and strengthening south-easterly wind.
2XS set a sizzling pace with Zig Zag, Cavalier and Splash battling it out in her wake.
Rock Lobster and Spray trailed well back.
In the afternoon the tidal flow moderated but the southeaster filled in, reaching twenty knots as the fleet completed the final two races; at times sharing the river with the sailing club's skiffs.
Again it was 2XS out in front well ahead of Zig Zag, Cavalier Express and Splash.
Rock Lobster and Spray battled on gamely in their wake.
Andrew McLeod and crew on their trimaran 2XS excelled in the prevailing conditions, taking line and handicap honours in all four events.
With the exception of the second race when Cavalier Express was runner up to 2XS, Zig Zag was the leading monohull.
However the consistent Splash nudged her into third place when handicaps were applied.
The river threw its usual wind shifts and contrary currents at crews, making for some tight starts and exciting situations round the turning buoys throughout the day.
Regatta Handicap Points
1st 2XS 28; 2nd Splash 21; 3rd Zig Zag 19; Cavalier Express 17; Rock Lobster 14; Spray 9
Handicap Results Twilight Thurs Feb 1
Rock Lobster 0:52:34; Razzamatazz 0:54:24; Zig Zag 0:54:54; Raja 0:56:52; High Flyer 0:57:16