Unfortunately Mother Nature did not want to come to the party with a west/nor’west wind gusting up to 30 knots on the basin, the reluctant decision was taken to abandon racing for the day.

Partly due to safety concerns, but mostly due to lack of Fun Factor (most of the boats in the club sail for fun, and whilst capable of sailing in 30 knots, most of us prefer to be navigating our way to the bar when the wind heads north of 25!).

With the great success of the Regatta two weeks ago, where more than 23 boats enjoyed two days of great sailing, we now look forward to our other invitation event, The Basin Classic on March 16 starting at 11am.

This 20-25 nautical mile passage race focuses on fun, relaxed sailing all around the beautiful St Georges Basin. Billed as either a “Race” or Cruise in company, the main focus is on having fun on the water with an opportunity for skippers to share our beautiful waterway with friends and family.

For the slightly more competitive we do record “race” times for both CBH and PHS results. Best of all the event is free to enter, subject to the usually insurance requirements.

If you would like to join us for this event either with your own boat – or we have a limited number of “crew” spots available - and even some spectator viewing from our support vessels, then please contact the club via email sailing@sibyc.com.au or call Louisa on 0409058158. This year’s theme is “Pacific Islands”.

And so to this year’s season updates. With five out of seven races completed in two series and three races to go in one, things are really starting to get interesting. In the Inside course, the much improved Equinox (Kenny, Jeannette and Graham) are leading the pack on 8 points with arch rival Tingaround (Andrew, Various Johns and David) equal with Southern Cross (Greg, The Dragon and Captain Billy) on 12 points. With drops still to come and handicaps unwinding, everything is still to play for.

With Saturday’s Basin Chase abandoned, this leaves four scoring races so far in the series. Again Equinox is currently leading, being chased by Fly Navy Too (Greg, Ronda and Annabel) then Southern Cross and Backchat (Steve, Jan, Mark, Royce/Ian and Jackie) equal for third. Again drops will be crucial.

Finally the Outside Course sees, wait for it, Equinox in the lead, Fly Navy Too second and Tingaround in third, however with only four races completed so far and no drops, this could all change very quickly.

So the two best improved boats from last season Equinox and Tingaround are both in the mix for each series, with the ever competitive Fly Navy Too and last year’s club champion Southern Cross also fighting hard for the silverware, it looks like it will all come down to the last few races.

All results and pictures from the regatta are now up on the website for those interested.

That’s all from the water this week. Next race is an outside course scratch start 1pm Saturday 23rd February.