by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club

Race 6 of the 2011 Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship was the final race of the Summer Series and seven yachts came to the start line.

In a first for the series extra buoys were laid making a start finish line mid way between the top and bottom marks to create the traditional windward/leeward course.

Moderate wind caused some crews to opt for reefed mains and smaller headsails to compensate for the stronger breeze and the pace was again set by Magic and Ann Sea from the start.

Port FM Mais Oui flying the club boats new headsail was hot on their heels as the leaders rounded the top mark.

Whitecap and Ice fought a close race with Whitecap able to pull away from her rival on the second lap but she could not match the speed of the top three. Tau Ceti showed that she could be the dark horse in the remaining series as the crew showed signs of what they’re capable of by narrowing the gap between their rivals.

Indigo struggled in the final stages to cross the line as the shifting winds played tricks on the multihull. Magic crossed the line first ahead of Ann Sea but neither boats had enough of a lead over Port Fm Mais Oui as the J24 turned a 9m 46s elapsed time deficit into a 3m 20s advantage to claim first on handicap.

Magic took second with Ann Sea third, but the hold on the series lead of Ann Sea looked all but assured as the crews returned to the club to await the results. Whitecap held on to fourth with Ice fifth, Tau Ceti sixth and  Indigo seventh.

Top three places for the Summer Series went to Ann Sea on 5.5 points followed by Port FM Mais Oui on 6.5 and Magic on 8.

The Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship resumes with the start of the Winter Series on 11 June.