The Port MacDonnell Sailing Club hosted its last event for the year on the weekend, as five boats took to the water in variable conditions. 


The waters were rough and choppy with winds starting at nine knots and increasing to 25 knots by the time racing was finished. 


Weather conditions meant the four races scheduled were shorted to only two races.


Race officer Dave Evans and committee boat driver Damien McMahon set the course for the races and kept an eye on both the boats and the racing conditions as the day progressed. 


The first boat across the start line was Austral20 ‘Mirage 2’, with Dennis Illman and Donnita Widdison on board. Close behind them was another Austral20 ‘Minty’ crewed by Stephen Dyble, Nick Watson and Donna Howard.


‘Mirage 2’ was unable to hold onto the lead in the weather, being beaten to the finishing line by David Carlyse’s ‘Sherwin Road’. However, they were able to get a second for line honours. 


The second race started in increasingly difficult conditions and this time Austral20 ‘Windy Fred’, skippered by Tom Paltridge, was first across the start line with ‘Minty’ close behind once more.


As the conditions worsened, the decision was made to shorten the race and make race two the last race of the day. 


There will be no more sailing at the Bay until February, however some of the sailors will join in the January racing at Robe.