Port Macquarie Sailing Club Spring Series Race 3

LAST Sunday, the Port Macquarie Sailing Club faced a strong run-out tide, grey skies and a predicted southerly front, which may have discouraged a few members from taking part in the first Handicap Start race of the 2026 Spring season.

With just five competitors present, a regular Spring Series race was held instead.

The duty team of Tony Kuhn and assistant Julian set a starboard triangle course, starting upriver to a buoy on the northern side of the river opposite the canals. A second mark was laid near Limeburners, with the third positioned mid-river off Stevens Street, in an effort to keep sailors out of the current.

In the Catamaran division, Frank O’Rourke on Zero and Jack Corthals on Crackerjack started on their Arrow cats in patchy conditions. Zero took a small lead at the first mark, which extended during the first two laps. In the second half of the race, Crackerjack slowly clawed back the distance and put the pressure on, but there was not enough race left to change the result.

The Monohull division saw a fleet of three Impulses trading places throughout the race, with the position of the sailors in relation to the passing gusts making a significant difference to their positions on the water.

Terry Howard, sailing Flying Dragon, got off to a great start, with Germain Corthals in Aeolus and Rob Barwick in Drift close behind. By the end of the first lap, Aeolus had stormed into the lead, with Drift in second place.

The alternating holes and gusts meant that being in the right place at the right time was crucial. Drift proved to be anything but misnamed, moving with purpose to take the lead on the third and final lap, with Aeolus and Flying Dragon close behind for an entertaining afternoon of racing.

Next Sunday, the club will hold Race 4 of the Spring Season, starting at 2pm. Remember that daylight saving starts!

Gary Herbert is rostered on duty.

By Jeff WALSH