Flasheart an underdog winner on King George Sound course in high winds, Forever Young tops Flying Fifteens

Eight yachts from the Princess Royal Sailing Club’s mixed keel boat fleet competed in a King George Sound race last Saturday, with strong easterly winds making for fast times.

The race, held in a breeze that never dropped below 20 knots, allowed for quick times around the marks.

Stephen Brown won the start and showed a bit of cheek to his more fancied opposition, leading them across the harbour until eventually he was caught and passed by Brett Hawker in Jessie James, Stephen Lee in Flasheart and then Chris Oldham in Joker.

Peter Bane had Dunluce moving well, as was Neil Worrell in Zuri.

Mark McRae, who was on a hat-trick of wins with Sicarius, was a tad late starting and sat in the middle of the fleet for much of the journey.

Likewise Richard Hodgson was late starting and trailed the fleet throughout.

Hawker led the fleet into the sound with Flasheart right on his tail as they made their way back into the harbour.

Joker and Mary Maitland were having their own match race over the last few marks as was Dunluce and Zuri with only seconds between them at the end.

Hawker was first to finish but could only record fastest time.

Flasheart looked the winner from the beginning due to expert work from the skipper and his dedicated crew and was declared victorious.

Dunluce was second and only 18 seconds behind on corrected time, with Bane proving that sailing well to handicap has its rewards.

Mary Maitland took third place after a brave showing.

Disaster struck when Escapade found a sandbank approaching the finish line and was stuck well and fast.

The starting box crew then found themselves involved in towing the stricken yacht into deeper water.

A fleet of four Flying Fifteens raced around a harbour course in wind that suited Simon Lucas in Forever Young and he was soon out in front with Wayne North in Frequent Flyer not far off.

Aileen Lucas, who would prefer lighter conditions, was actually moving quite well.

Eden Gray was forced to retire Flying Flounder with gear failure.

Forever Young was still leading when Crazy closed the gap rapidly towards the finish to win the race on corrected time in a fantastic display.

Forever Young was second and fastest with Frequent Flyer in third place.