2016/17 Club Marine Series Day 1 at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

Despite most boat hibernating in the winter, competitors came out in force yesterday, 8 October 2016, for day one of the 2016/17 Club Marine Series. 100 boats across both the white and blue division took to Port Phillip Bay to commence this annual summer series.

They wind gods were kind to competitors for as the day progressed so too did the wind. The predicted gradual drop in wind was quite the opposite with a small sea breeze developing during the first and only race of the day's racing. Those who caught on to this persistent change made ground on those who were optimistically believing in Melbourne's forecast.

2016/17 Club Marine Series day 1 on Port Phillip Bay - photo © Alex McKinnon Photography

Racing began on time for all divisions but Division 2 saw two starts with a general recall summoning the fleet to try again. The enthusiastic competitors were called back when nearly a third of the fleet hit the line too early. Race management didn't dawdle, warning that the next start would commence immediately and be under a black flag. True to their word the black flag saw a more civilised start and soon after racing was underway.

Racing saw a number of new competitors join the on water action including Marcus Sill's Nsx 39, INSX, Justin Brenan's Lidgard 36, Alien, and Damian Thomas's Melges 32, PP1.

2016/17 Club Marine Series day 1 on Port Phillip Bay - photo © Alex McKinnon Photography

David LeRoy, Principal Race Officer for the Club Marine Series, commented on the keeness of the competitors,

"Everyone was eager to get going today. So much so that we had a general recall in Division 2 and a couple OCSs in Division 3. It's great to see so many new faces and even newer boats out on the bay. It's a great way to start the new sailing season."

The Division 2 fleet was tight for two thirds of the three lap race; only for separation to really occur on the third lap. The third lap saw the seabreeze settle and those who caught on made strategic gains upwind, not to mention the boats that required just a couple more knots to get the boat going.

2016/17 Club Marine Series day 1 on Port Phillip Bay - photo © Alex McKinnon Photography

Crew member of Grant Botica's 'Executive Decision', Tim Bold, explained that (the crew) were happy with their IRC win yesterday,

"The larger fleet brings about new dynamics on the water – it's good to heat things up a bit. We tend to do alright in the mid to high range wind so the ability to go left with the increase in wind speed (with the seabreeze) really helped us. The Adams 10's are quite forgiving boats which is good considering the long break most of the crew have had from sailing. We hope to hone in our skills as the season progresses."

2016/17 Club Marine Series day 1 on Port Phillip Bay - photo © Alex McKinnon Photography

Following 'Executive Decision' with a win was Gary Mackinven's 'Way2Go!' who took out first place in both AMS and YV. The Division 3 competitors had a similar start with a few also hitting the line early gaining them an OCS; the others continued their two lap course. 'Skipjack' secured a win in IRC, while 'Moonraker' took first place in IRC. Line honours and a win in the YV Handicapping was taken by 'Mrs Overnewton' who took the lead 5 minutes in front of the next Division 3 boat, 'Hush.'

With currently no Division 0 boats allocated, Division 1 boats had a course to themselves. Resilient 'Wicked' was able to keep up with her bigger sisters in the Beneteau 45's thus securing a win in IRC. Similarly, 'Sierra Chainsaw' made huge gains during the race and had a very impressive finish time; taking out first in AMS and second in YV Handicapping to 'A Cunning Plan.'

2016/17 Club Marine Series day 1 on Port Phillip Bay - photo © Alex McKinnon Photography

The Blue Fleet saw a multitude of solo sailors and family filled boats racing around the sticks close to the shores of Royal Brighton Yacht Club. Paul Wise's 'Instant Karma' took the glory finishing first on Performance Handicapping.

2016/17 Club Marine Series Leaders:

Racing for the 2016/17 Club Marine Series continues on Saturday 5 November with Hobsons Bay Yacht Club as host. For more information visit www.clubmarineseries.com.au or follow the series on Facebook, www.facebook.com/clubmarineseries.