On Sunday, November 21, the drizzling rain and cool southerly winds greeted the sailors competing in the Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club's first race of the summer series.
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A small fleet of six yachts braved the damp and chilly conditions racing in a single division.
The yachts took on a 12.6 nautical mile course at the northern end of Jervis Bay.
Steve Sergeant in Shamballa got away to the best start as the fleet raced into the 10 knot SE winds.
Sojourn Three, skippered by Rick Early, soon passed Shambala and beat the rest of the field to the first race mark.
With the winds building to over 15 knots Out of the Blue, with Paul Gooey at the helm, chased Sojourn Three as they raced down to long beach and then crossed the bay towards Callala Beach.
As they ran back across the bay, and with the wind dropping, Out of the Blue took the lead.
Sojourn Three responded taking a reef out of their mainsail and took the lead again.
The race for third place was hotly contested between Trevor Kanaar, in Invincible, Steve Simpsons Bodacious and Roger Uebe in his trimaran Free Spirits first full race with the club.
Sojourn Three continued to stretch its lead and crossed the finish line first in two hours 43 minutes just over six minutes ahead of Out of the Blue. Free Spirit crossed the line third.
Invincible and Bodacious were neck and neck approaching the finish. Invincible crossed the line in three hours and three minutes just five seconds ahead of Bodacious.
Once the handicaps were put in place the results changed significantly with Paul Gooey (Out of the Blue) taking first place and Ric Early (Sojourn Three)second.
Rojer Uede in Free Spirit will have to complete another two races before he gets a handicap and can figure in the results.
Trevor Kanaar (Invincible) was given third place.
Back at the clubhouse, the winners were presented with prizes of wine and a barbecue was enjoyed by the skippers and crew.
The next race in the summer series will be the first of the round the bay races and is scheduled for Sunday, December 5.
The Jervis Bay Cruising Yacht Club has been running regular races on Jervis Bay for over 50 years.
It's a casual and friendly club that welcomes new members.
If you would like to get involved see the club's website www.jbcyc.com.au.
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