Australian Nationals Day One

From the Australian Melges 24 Class - Day one of the seven race series, held over the Australia Day long weekend in Geelong. Clear blue skies, wind strength of 5-10 knots NE and the fleet of 21 Sportsboats including 6 Melges 24’s were on water buzzing in anticipation prior to the first heat.

“Kaito” (AUS709) skippered by Heath Townsend from Geograph Bay Sailing Club won the start and led around every mark.

Bruce Leslie’s “ Matilda” with Peter Jones steering (AUS19) RQYS challenged from second place the entire race.

This was the first race for “Vitesse” (AUS 710) “Team Faz” with Heath Walters on helm and David Farrimond trimming, stoked with their third place.

John Hall in “Anarchy” (AUS 668) recovered quickly after loosing his halyard through the mast. A tussle between Murray Walters “No Comment” owned by Mark Bernardinis and “Anarchy” at every mark saw “No Comment” come out the in front with fourth place.

Phil Chapmans “TTFN” gave the fleet a head start in the first race but were definitely amongst it in race 2 .with the close racing between all the Melges 24’s.

Heath Townsend, “Kaito” was on fire securing another win in race two. The top mark was moved as the breeze increased to 10-14 knots and shifted to the SE. The Melges 24’s demonstrated true One Design racing and came into their own with spectacular close downwind challenges. Matilda had a fantastic ride, even though several of the crew were seasick …….maybe, to take second place again, Vitesse third.

Geelong turned on a perfect days racing . A range of conditions forecast over the weekend should keep it interesting.