Ian Johnston’s Cambio masters strong breezes to secure victory on corrected time

Strong winds before the start of racing forced the Flying Fifteen fleet to abandon any chance of getting out on the harbour mainly from the safety factor last Saturday.

Just four yachts from division two ventured out into the 24-knot easterly and only Stephen Brown with a skeleton crew used his spinnaker on Mary Maitland.

The other three decided to go JAM.

Brown easily won the start and was not headed for the entire duration of the race.

He was under immense pressure throughout though by Ian Johnston skippering Cambio with two other crew members, which certainly helped.

Joker, fresh from a sterling effort the previous week could not match the speed of the two leading boats and trailed in third position.

Neil Worrell had Zuri moving well after a slow start and was able to stay in touch with the other three.

Brown tried everything to increase his lead over a relentless Johnston, who was sailing an excellent race and never gave Brown any peace.

Towards the latter stages of the event, the wind dropped dramatically to around 14 knots which was more comfortable for all crews.

Brown held his lead to the finish line but only managed the fastest time and was relegated to fourth place on handicap after a great effort.

Cambio took the honours on corrected time, just 23 seconds in front of Zuri which had done enough to snatch second place.

Chris Oldham was disappointed with Joker’s third place because the boat is usually up the front.

The results of racing on February 3 was Joker finished first and fastest in division two with Cambio second and Mary Maitland third.

In the Flying Fifteens Crazy was first, Flying Flounder second and FForever Young third and fastest.