The warmer weather resulted in a few more boats from the fleet coming out of the woodwork. Unfortunately not all the boats were destined to make it to the start line.

John Anderson sustained an injury whilst assembling the rigging on his Hunter 19 and was unable to start. Trevor Kanaar fells victim to some gremlins whilst getting off his mooring and was also unable to make the start.

Rick Early rejoined the fleet after the annual layup in Kiama for his Bavaria 44, Sojourn III, while Peter Dunn aboard his Seawind 1000XL, Lukim Yu, made his first appearance for the year.

Rod Chittendon aboard his Nasrm 920, Element, having completed his two races, is now eligible for points in the series. Whilst not a contender in the current series, it is clear that Element is going to be a boat to keep up with the Division 2 competitors.

Paul Gooey aboard Out of The Blue, another Bavaria this time a 39, is also eligible for points in Division 1.

Even with these 2 non starters this was the biggest fleet JBCYC had for the season, five boats in Division 1 and four boats in Division 2.

The conditions for the start and most of the race were 15-20 knots of wind from the south on a medium swell. A lot different to the last 2 events; this was welcomed by the smaller yachts in the fleet.

Rick Early set a course with a bit of everything. The fleet would start in Callala Bay, head up to the top of Hare Bay, across towards Beecroft Penninsula, back over toward Huskisson and finally back to Hare Bay and Callala Bay.

In Division 1 Rick Early and Soujurn III took the early lead and led to the finish. John Lawrence aboard Sa Sea got the jump on Alan Leach aboard Tranquility. Heading down to Beecroft Peninsula, Tranquility caught Sas Sea and this was how the first three boats in Division 1 would finish.

Peter aboard Lukim Yu came home next followed by Paul on Out of the Blue.

In Division 1 on performance handicap Lukim Lu took out first place, Out of the Blue in second and Sas Sea took third.

In Division 2 the close racing this season had left 3 boats in contention for the series winner. With Elements eligible for points and in good form it was clearly going to be very tight.

Y-Knot got and excellent start and led from start to finish thanks to a slightly risky spinnaker run from Callala Beach all the way to the top of Hare Bay. However, Relentless was not going to be outdone and kept in close contact for most of the race.

All the Division 2 boats remained close with only 11 minutes between first and last. The dark horse Element managed to come from behind and pass all but Y-Knot by the finish.

The final finishing positions were Y-Knot first across the line followed by Elements, Relentless and finally Double Time.

On performance handicap Y-Knot made it a clean sweep taking 1st, Double Time 2nd, Relentless 3rd and Elements 4th.

Being the last race of the series the much awaited final results were revealed by Club Commodore David Churchward.

In Division 1 there were not too many surprises. As predicted Alan Leach aboard Tranquility took out 1st on 16 points. Invincible, despite being unable to start the final race, took out 2nd on 23 points while Sas Sea took out 3rd on 28 points.

Division 2 was much closer and as predicted anything could happen and it did.

All 3 boats Relentless, Y-Knot and Double Time ended up on 7 points. In the first round countback Y-Knot got knocked out. It took 2 further countbacks to reveal that Relentless had taken out Division 2.

The spring series has resulted in some great racing with close results. Special thanks to Paul Gooey, our club handicapper, sometimes a thankless task for working with other club members to tweak the handicap system that resulted in such a tight contest.

Following the days racing the annual Commodore’s Cocktail Party was held at the clubhouse. This event was held to raise money towards new antennas for Jervis Bay Marine Rescue. Alex Ross from Jervis Bay Marine Rescue attended.

A charity auction and other fund-raising activities were held and raised $1000 to go towards the new antennas.

As per usual it was a great social event going on late into the night. Thanks to Pauline and all those who helped organise the event.

Would you like to get involved in racing? Or are just looking for a great social club to get involved in? Why not come on down and join us at Callala Bay. Go to www.jbcyc.com.au for details and contacts.