A fine day with calm seas and light winds tested the heavier mono hull yachts over a course that took in the north eastern end of Jervis Bay.

A fleet of seven yachts began the race, with four larger yachts in Division 1 tackling a 12.5 nautical mile course, and the three smaller Division 2 yachts taking on a slightly shorter 10.5 nautical mile course.

The race began in light south-south west winds, just over 5 knots, with the Navy entry Franklin skippered by Rod Targa beating the other Division 1 yachts as they headed into the wind to the first mark.

The yachts then turned to the south east, reaching across the bay and hauling south down it’s eastern shore.

The catamaran Tranquillity, skippered by Alan Leach, squeezed past Franklin as they sailed into the wind.

Franklin then had to try and fight off Invincible, skippered by Trevor Kanaar, who eventually passed the Navy entry.

During the afternoon the winds shifted to the south then south east, but remained light, making for a slow run back to Callala Bay for the fleet.

Tranquillity was the first of the Division 1 yachts to cross the finish line in 3 hours and 20 minutes, beating Invincible back by just under 6 minutes.

But the Division 1 win went to Invincible once handicaps were applied with Tranquillity second and Peter Robinson in Overture, coming third.

In Division 2 the light conditions were perfect for John Anderson in Laser 3.

His yacht at 6.8 meters is the smallest in the fleet and led division 2 from the start, racing around the course in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

John finished just over 12 minutes ahead of his closest rival, Paul Gooey in the much larger, 8.5 metre, Matana.

Once handicaps were applied, however, the positions were reversed with Paul Gooey first, John Anderson second and Denis Meredith skippering Wotalife third.

With the final race in the Autumn Series just under two weeks away, on Saturday, May 19, the current series leaders are Alan Leach, Tranquillity, and Trevor Kanaar, Invincible, tied for 1st place in Division 1; and Paul Gooey, Matana, leading John Anderson, Laser 3, in Division 2.

That race will be the club’s last for the season and is shaping up as thrilling climax for the series.

Anyone wishing to get involved in some fun social yacht racing can go to the club’s website www.jbcyc.com.au.

They welcome existing crews and new members.