Division two skipper Ian Johnston rallies Cambio to Emu Point triumph, FForever Young pinches fifteens victory

Division two skipper Ian Johnston displayed his sailing prowess by winning the Emu Point and return race with Cambio last Saturday.

He was back to his best form following a disappointing effort the previous weekend.

Three division two yachts were joined by Geoff Oliver’s division one boat, Excitabull which, of course, was given a huge handicap.

It was an interesting race as far as crew numbers were concerned.

Stephen Brown sailed solo on Mary Maitland, Stephen Lee had two aboard Flasheart, Johnston had three on Cambio and Oliver had four on Excitabull.

The wind was a steady easterly at 15 knots when the race began and increased to 18 knots at the finish which meant quick times.

Excitabull forged smartly to the lead and stayed there for the duration.

Cambio and Flasheart were neck and neck throughout with Brown trailing the fleet.

Upon entering Oyster Harbour, skippers cautiously manoeuvred the dreaded waters around Green Island when Excitabull found the mud.

Not wanting any outside assistance from the following club rescue boat, Oliver jumped overboard and while a crew member raised the keel he pushed the boat into deeper water and clambered back on board and continued the race.

The other three yachts had no trouble but were still well behind Excitabull which went on its merry way to cross the finish line way ahead but was relegated to fourth position on corrected time.

The battle between Cambio and Flasheart was still on as they neared the line.

Johnston was able to keep Lee at bay and went on to record a fine victory.

Lee took second place after the mighty chase and a valiant Brown, who had sailed extremely well, was third.

Excitabull recorded the fastest time in fine style.

Two flying fifteens competed in a harbour course match race and when Aileen Lucas won the start with Crazy it looked like there could be an upset.

Simon Lucas in FForever Young had other ideas and slowly but surely went into the lead where he showed no mercy increasing his lead at every mark.

Crazy battled not only the increasing wind speed but big waves on the harbour and it was lagging well behind.

FForever Young went on its merry way to win by a big margin and to record the fastest time in a mighty show.