Flying extras wins the day

Published 11:29 on 27 Mar 2023

A stunning evening for the penultimate Race of the Gulf Harbour Marina Twilight 2022-2023 series. A warm wind from the nor'west with 13 boats lined up for a downwind start of Course 1 selected by RO John Bruce. Memphis set the race off with the majority of the fleet following in their wake. With a starboard rounding at the bottom mark, the fleet converged with Hijinx & Share Delight coming in on starboard tack, Memphis & Fast Lane approaching on port and gybing onto starboard to get water at the mark, all holding onto their extras as long as possible in the lighter airs. Hijinx came in with a bit more pace and passed ahead to be the lead boat back upwind towards the peninsula. The right was slightly favoured, but playing the shifts coming off the land paid off, followed by a bear away hoist down to the Gulf Harbour Mark. For the bottom leg of the triangle some boats attempted to hold onto extras, with boats following the fleet having the advantage of seeing the longer route taken by those who tried to hold on. Golden skies and a softening breeze brought the crews back upwind - a final tussle on the finish line by Satisfaction 2, Glory Days & Fast Lane with every second counting in handicap racing.

Line Honours: Hijinx
3rd: Quicksilver, 2nd: Fast Lane, 1st: Toyshop

Last updated 07:46 on 19 May 2025