Saturday marked the start of the first Tamar Yacht Club northern off-shore race of the season, the Barrenjoey Island Race.
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With a brisk south-easterly and flat seas, the reach to the island provided fast spinnaker conditions. The return leg proved harder work with the tide pushing against the wind. This combined with the funnelling south-easterly made for challenging conditions and the lighter yachts changed down to storm sails and fully reefed mains. Mick Jones’ Ambition claimed line honours and handicap win, followed by Lawless, SKI and Marloo.
The afternoon competition was equally challenging in the first TYC points race of the season. The gusty 20-knot conditions at Beauty Point tested even the top sailors, with multiple capsizes on the downwind legs. The short course allowed for three races. Laser sailor George Booth won the first with Ryan Morton taking the second and third, giving him an early series lead.
Sunday was national Discover Sailing Day, and yacht clubs around the state opened their doors giving the public its first taste of sailing.
TYC enjoyed perfect conditions for a sail out of the Seaport Marina. More than 120 people lined up for a free sail in the club’s training vessel the Dolphin, and the two Sailability yachts. Families saw the river from a new perspective, and tried their hand at steering the yachts.
The vast range of ages, abilities and cultures highlighted how fun and inclusive sailing is.