by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club

Race 7 of the 2011 Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship was the first race of the Winter Series and seven yachts came to the start.

Making her debut appearance in 2011 club racing was T Break skippered by Robert Mair. The Winter Series started exactly where the Summer Series left off with moderate winds causing all crews to opt for reefed mains and smaller headsails.

The stronger breeze again proved to be a challenge for the fleet and Magic (Doug Ryan) set the pace being first to round the top mark.

Port FM Mais Oui, with new reefing points in her mainsail, surprised all as skipper Andrew Walker steered the J24 around the course in the choppy seas.

Unable to catch Magic and Ann Sea the smallest vessel in the fleet did a tremendous job to stay ahead of Ice, Whitecap and T Break. Tau Ceti being late to the start desperately tried to make up for lost time but had to settle for seventh despite a valiant effort playing catch up.

Line honours went to Magic crossing the line 04:52 ahead of Ann Sea and 12:12 ahead of Port FM Mais Oui. Corrected times however rewarded the great effort from the crew of Port FM Mais Oui as she eased into first just 67 seconds ahead of Magic.

The win has given the J24 pole position on the Championship ladder one point clear from Ann Sea and a great start in her bid to claim the Winter Series . The Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship continues on 25 June.