Sailorsshow offtheirskills

Perth Sailing Club members had a splashing time at the popular Commodore’s Fun Race.

The event, held on Saturday, attracted a large entry of 12 boats with a further three taking advantage of the fine conditions.

Club commodore Bob Watson set a number of tasks to test the sailing skills of all those who took part.

Man over board, picking up cargo from the launching area and a backwards sailing challenge kept sailors busy throughout the afternoon.

Chris Watson, sailing Eric Taylor’s Phantom, took an early lead and was followed by the RS Quest helmed by Munro Gauld and crewed by daughter Molly.

Andrew Porteous and Kieran Foley-Hall in the Albacore were caught by the tide, as was Jim Galloway in his Solo.

The real fun started on lap two with competitors trying their hand at backward sailing, having to contend with a strong incoming tide and decreasing wind.

It was clear to the race organiser that this part of the race was not going to be able to be completed by all.

However, at the front of the fleet, Chris in the Phantom had no difficulty and was storming ahead to complete the race 20 minutes clear.

The cadets helming Fevas were trying their best to cope with the tasks, tide and wind conditions.

Joe Gauld impressed and managed to sail the course with cadet Angus Burrows sailing the other Feva at the rear of the fleet.

Anna Woodhead, in the third Feva, was pulled by the tide up towards the harbour and was recovered by the second rescue boat.

With all the boats on the water it was hard work for race officer Anne Watson to keep a tally of the action and the finishing order.

But it was Chris over the line first followed by Munro and Molly and Jim in third place.

First over the line for the cadets was Joe, with Angus second. Results: Commodore’s Fun Race, August 11 - Winner Chris Watson (Cormorant), 2nd Munro Gauld/Molly Gauld (RS Quest), 3rd Jim Galloway (Woodpecker). Cadets - 1st Joe Gauld (Spring Feva), 2nd Angus Burrows (Feva).