Longbeach Challenge 2009
Following a 9:30 brief and final preparations, a fleet of eight competing boats and a couple of spectator vessels headed off in calm conditions towards Patterson River. The race start was scheduled for 12:30 and so with plenty of time to get there, some decided to sail down while others motored most of the way. As our fleet neared Patterson River Jay Jay II suddenly arrived having competed in a Nav Rally at Beuie earlier in the day.
During the journey it had become obvious that some storms brewing on the horizon were going to stick around and as the group arrived for the start, the first of the rain squalls swept in. In all 15 boats started and headed off in pretty light southerly conditions around the triangualr course. The winds were way too light for a number of the smaller craft and it wasn't long before the fleet was stretched out right around the course.
As the faster boats were into the second leg, another major rain storm swept in and behind that a stronger south-westerly started making things difficult for some. A number of skippers decided to call it a day and headed back to Mordi.
The result of the day's competition leave MMYC leading 6 to 15 and you can check on the results here. Races 2&3 of this years series will be held on January 30th and 31st, so keep an eye on the site for more details.
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