by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club

Yacht racing continued in the Douglas region on the weekend as the Port Douglas Yacht Club Championship Spring Series hit the waves on Sunday in good 15 to 20 knot winds.

The standard windward leeward course was set and the series leader Tim Preus sailing Ann Sea again took the early lead rounding the top mark ahead of his rivals.


Hot on his tail was Doug Ryan on Magic returning to the club series having recently missed several events. The challenge was on from the start as Magic matched Ann Sea move for move.

Reaching the bottom mark on the second lap Magic was able to take advantage of a costly mistake by Ann Sea to capture the lead. Ice and Whitecap tried desperately to keep up with the frontrunners, but with the conditions better suited to their more experienced skippers, Magic and Ann Sea sailed away as the fleet began to spread.

Magic held on to the lead taking line honours in a close finish from Ann Sea and with several minutes lead over the other boats.

Concentration on the helm and constant attention to sail trim are both critical in keeping optimum boat speed, and with the other skippers lamenting what should have been, it looked unlikely that handicap times would change the final placings.

After corrected times Magic held on to first place followed by Ann Sea then Ice and Whitecap.

The series winner will have the lowest points and with four races still to run the late challenge from Magic (16 points) has loosened the grip held by Ann Sea (5 points) and with Ice and Whitecap tied on 11 points the series is still open.

The next race will be held on 13 November and all contenders must be present to remain in the chase as points awarded to series entrants for not starting a race can quickly change everything.