It’s the week Whitsunday sailors have been waiting for, with local race officer Steve Watson describing the 2011 regatta as running “exceptionally well”.
“The conditions have been absolutely perfect. The courses have been great. Everybody’s been behaving themselves on the start line (well, almost) and it’s great to see that Team Vodafone Sailing is actually competitive in the fleet – we’ve got to make them work to win!” Mr Watson said.
Seasoned local crewman Matt Flint (SV Re-ignition) wholeheartedly agreed.
“This is the best regatta I’ve ever done. I’ve done three of them now and it’s the first year I’ve ever been in the beer tent and not heard a complaint. Everybody’s happy,” he said.
Mr Flint said the highlight of the regatta so far was “being able to call ‘Starboard’ on Team Vodafone Sailing”.
WSC Sailing secretary Tania Watson said the shore-side entertainment had been a great compliment to the on-water events.
“Singer ‘AJ’ has been fantastic. She’s done a brilliant job,” Ms Watson said.
On the water, local sailors have relished the intensified level of competition, with Cynophobe’s Peter Millar describing the regatta as a “big learning curve”.
“We’re up against the gun boats now,” he said.
At the halfway mark Whitsunday vessels Questionable Logic, Sandpiper and Another Fiasco were all very close on points, with Sandpiper’s skipper Colin Pruden enthusiastic about the windward/leeward races ahead.
“I’m really happy with where we’re sitting right now. The boat’s going well, the crew work’s excellent, we haven’t made too many mistakes and we’re sailing to our handicap. It’s all good,” he said.
IRC racer extraordinaire Jeff Brown said at this stage of the game Double O Seven was aiming for fourth place overall.
“It’s been quite windy, which is good for sailing, but not so good for this boat – we do better when it’s light. But when it’s windy it’s fun – although a bit harder on the crew!” Mr Brown said.
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