Shagabull wins division one race after Jessie James engine failure, Flasheart edges Mary Maitland

The constant 22-knot easterly didn’t deter the small division two fleet from competing in their harbour course race for the prestigious Harbour Master’s Trophy last Saturday.

Two division one skippers had indicated they would race but there was misfortune for Brett Hawker when engine failure on Jessie James prevented him from leaving his pen.

Neither could sail out due to the strong wind but Harold Keay began with Shagabull and when he was informed of Hawker’s dilemma, he went for a cruise around the harbour before returning to the club a bit disappointed.

Four division two boats faced the starter and just minutes before Ian Johnston opted to put a reef in his main and missed the start and had to play catch up for the duration of the race.

Josh Hughes was having his first outing with Joker and was doing reasonably well until a rigging failure forced him to retire.

Repairs were quickly done and Joker was taken out to test the adjustments and will be ready for its next event.

Stephen Brown in Mary Maitland won the start but with only one other crew member couldn’t match the speed and faultless sailing of Stephen Lee’s Flasheart who quickly opened up a huge lead and was never troubled as he went on to win easily and to take the coveted trophy in a masterly display.

Brown and his lone crew battled manfully to take second place ahead of Johnston’s Cambio who is still coming to terms with the new boat.

Racing resumes after the Christmas and new year break on January 7.