Sailors battle hot conditions at Lake Keepit

Lake Keepit Sailing Club conducted Heat 4 of the club championship series last Sunday, despite the weather forecast of 40 degrees.

Despite the heat, sailing conditions were very good with a south-easterly breeze of up to 20 kmh.

The race turned out to be well-structured with a good beat to windward, a down-wind leg and then an excellent reach to the home buoy.

The day belonged to a very consistent Dave Aylwin in his fast mari 4.3 catamaran. He set the tone with an excellent start and leaping ahead on that first work to windward.

Dave kept increasing his lead to take line-honours.

Four laser dinghies trailed Dave, and they vied for the minor placings.

Results were: 1st Mari 4.3 Dave Aylwin (Manilla); 2nd Laser “XLR8” Tim Corben (Barraba); 3rd Laser “If Only” Mick Bradfield (Breeza).

An excellent course was set up by Sunday’s race officer of the day, John Sumner, and his crew member Bryce Little. Club members commented that it must have been hot in that tinny for the officials.

Next Sunday is the Christmas luncheon, with all members invited.

Racing resumes in January with Heat 2 of The Summer Cup.