Most boats had not been on the water since January 21 and were keen to enjoy a bit of fun on the water.

Seven boats raced for points in two races commencing at 1.30pm.

The day was overcast and winds of 20-25kph were forecast, but once out on the water the wind did not have the anticipated strength and boats were kept busy choosing a course that would give them the edge.

Race 1 got off to a fairly average start with Pigs Might Fly taking an early lead.

Rudder problems, a snagged crab pot and Rocket taking time off for a quick swim while trying to free a rope meant that Pigsy was still in the field after the first lap.

The two catamarans revelled in the conditions and were first home with the remaining boats completing the course without any major problems.

The second race was on a shortened course because the first race had taken nearly two hours to complete and we needed time to socialise.

Despite the fact there were only seven boats starting, the pre-race jockeying for position was worthy of a Sydney-Hobart.

The narrow start line made it a case of ‘he who shouts loudest and is the most desperate gets right-of-way’.

The fleet of boats finished with only three minutes separating first and last on corrected time.

All boats enjoyed the close sailing with many individual battles within the race, Pigs Might Fly with Rocket Clement and Ray Wakelin was first across the line for the monohulls in both races and Marlee with Keith Leech and Dragonfly with Peter Vandertang shared the honours for the catamarans.

Next week, Sunday, February 12 will be the third heat of Ladies at the Helm and Heat 9 of the Consistency Trophy.

Competition within the ladies is quite fierce so we can expect some interesting tactics for the penultimate round of their championship.

A BYO barbecue at the club will follow the two races, all welcome.

Come and enjoy the sailing and socialising. Races start at 1.30pm and barbecue from 5.30pm.

Results: Race 1 Monohulls: first Suzy Q – Mal and Sue Buzza, second Seabird – Brent and Leanne Ettridge, Herman Gerritsen, third Pigs Might Fly – Rod Clement and Ray Wakelin

Catamarans: first Marlee – Keith Leech, second Dragonfly – Peter Vandertang

Race 2 Monohulls: first Suzy Q – Mal and Sue Buzza, second Pigs Might Fly – Rod Clement and Ray Wakelin, third F Troop – Peter Compton, Ray Pond and Murray Macarthur

Catamarans: first Dragonfly – Peter Vandertang, second Marlee – Keith Leech