Marlay Point over night race 2013

Frassld had a good start with a steady Easterly breeze so a 12 nm beat across lake Wellington saw us into McLennan Straights at about 22.20 in 2nd place behind the Thompson 8, the wind had dropped out now and a J 24 sailed straight past us while we drifted with the current, bouncing of the banks on both sides at 0.4 Knts. About half way through we found having the jib back winded and the main right out was the best setting and our speed begun to climb to a blistering 1.7 Knts and we left the J 24 in our wake a mile or so before Holland’s Landing. About 03.00 we got the kite up as we sailed into Lake Victoria as the 0-2Knt winds clocked right around the dial. As the dawn broke we got a steady breeze until the sun rose and the wind died again. Now we could see a couple of monos then Spud Gun then heaps of monos behind us. We battled on praying for a shortened race, our hopes built when a committee boat came out around us and then anchored near Point Turner. The Magic 25 had got past us but didn’t get a blast as they passed so back to despair. Then another committee boat arrived and a mad flurry for flags as we passed Point Turner at 10.56 a hooter and it was over. 15 hours to do 30 nm on a warm March night!!! Thanks to a great crew of Geoff, Lisa and Lisa we made the most of a long night. Big Andy on Spud Gun did come 2nd this time. Not bad at all.