Perfect sailing conditions and close contests at Geographe Bay Race Week

With just two days of competition remaining, the Redink Homes Geographe Bay Race Week is promising to have the closest finishes in almost all eight divisions. The Bay turned on perfect sailing conditions today, with flat water and southerly breezes at 10 to 15 knots turning south westerly during the day.

The IRC White fleet, incorporating the smaller IRC yachts, has Mulberry and Minds Eye sharing the lead, but three yachts are within two points of their totals with a one race drop.

Black Betty has put herself in an almost invincible position with another win today, winning her fourth successive IRC/line honours double. But behind Black Betty, Just Cruisin and Hoodoo Man are separated by a single point after a one race drop after Just Cruisin’s solid second place today.

Graeme Martin’s Sand Crab’s Disco, with three wins from four races to date, is a comfortable leader in the Jib and Main division, ahead of clubmate Figaro.

Three multihulls are currently separated by just three points, so any one of them can still win, while in the Under 10 metre division, scores are so close that any one of six yachts can win.

Bunbury’s David Clifton has his Swarbrick 125 Eftel running well and enjoys a handy lead in the Premier Blue Division, but Charlotte and Fat Wallet Lost are well in contention. Rod Turner’s Nexus saw his lead in the Premier Green division evaporate today when he slumped to 14^th place, and will need to work hard in the remaining two races to maintain his lead. Fortunately Nexus’ main rival Tokoloshe also had a difficult day, but the result has opened up the prospects of several other yachts in the fleet.

Tomorrow morning’s short passage race will terminate in time to allow crews to let their hair down at the Geographe Bay Yacht Club for Picnic Day.

- Bernie Kaaks