The Port Macquarie Yacht Club ocean racing series continued last Sunday with an average sized fleet contesting the race from Bird Rock to Point Plomer and return.
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With the light winds prevailing at race start forecast to drop out, the fleet was pleasantly surprised when the reverse occurred, and the initial wind range of between three to five knots increased to 8 to 10 knots for the run home from Point Plomer.
With race starts becoming increasingly more competitive it was difficult to determine which yacht won the start, although, Zig Zag was prominent, and although briefly headed by Kookaburra soon resumed the lead which that yacht held onto to take line honours.
The northbound leg featured several lead changes in the chasing pack, with Indian Pacific, sailing an inshore course establishing a good lead.
An ill-conceived spinnaker set, followed by a quick takedown caused that yacht to surrender her position in the chasing pack initially to Kookaburra and High Flyer as well, with the order rounding the Point Plomer turning point being Zig Zag, Kookaburra, followed by High Flyer, then, Indian Pacific.
By the time most yachts had reached the northerly turning point, the wind strength had built to a steady 8 to 10 knots, making for a somewhat faster run home.
Revelling in this breeze, Zig Zag extended its lead, while in the chasing pack, both Indian Pacific and High Flyer rolled over Kookaburra, which was being sailed single-handed.
At the finishing line, Zig Zag recorded an emphatic win, closely chased across the line by Cool Change, which had sailed the shorter division one course. Indian Pacific was third across the line.
After the allocation of handicaps, High Flyer was declared winner, with Zig Zag claiming line honours and second on handicap.
