by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club

Race 2 of the Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship Winter Series hit the waves on Saturday as six yachts ventured forth.

The day started with a strong wind warning that was cancelled by 11:00am. By 2:00pm as the fleet converged on the start line what little breeze that was left was proving very difficult to find.

Ice got away to a good start but was unable to sustain her speed as Magic and Port FM Mais Oui made it first to the top mark.

The intended three laps of the windward leeward course had to be shortened to allow all competitors a reasonable time to record a finish and it was again Magic followed by Port FM Mais Oui crossing the line first.

As the breeze picked up in the last half hour Indigo and T Break made ground with Indigo providing a surprise finish that matched the change in the weather.

An elapsed time difference from first to sixth place of 26:49 was reduced to 17:23 on corrected time providing some very close times.

Indigo skippered by Colin Simpson took second place to record her first podium position of the Championship ahead of Magic in third but not quite good enough to run down the winner, Port FM Mais Oui.

The club owned J24 skippered by Andrew Walker and sponsored by local broadcaster Port FM made it two in a row to tighten their grip at the top of the leader board, three points ahead of Magic and five clear from Ann Sea.

Race 3 is on Saturday 9 July.