Racers battle with strong winds

Perth Sailing Club members battled challenging conditions to put on an entertaining afternoon of points series racing.

Visibility was good but a strong wind from the west – force four gusting to force seven – swept across the River Tay on Saturday.

Five boats took to the water for race one and, even before they moved away from the start line, James Curley was flipped over, but he quickly recovered to begin his quest for first place.

From the start, however, it was John Ferguson who took an early and commanding lead, which he maintained throughout the race.

Both of the lasers – occupied by James and Jacob McCauley – got caught out by unfortunately timed gusts and capsized.

Having a better time of it were Euan MacDonald and new member Mark Turner who sailed a solid race in the Quest, to finish third, after John and Jack Douglas.

The same five boats returned for the second race.

Competitors had to overcome fierce force seven gusts with sustained periods of force six.

And again it was John who seized an early advantage.

A huge gust cut through the fleet as it approached the D-mark, which resulted in John and James taking a bath. Jack also lost control for a short period.

Euan and Mark, in the Quest, picked their way through the carnage to emerge unscathed. Due to worsening conditions and reduced light, the course was shortened.

Jack, crossed first, pursued by John while Euan and Mark crossed third.

Both James and Jacob decided to retire.

Results after handicap: Saturday, September 29 - Race one - 1st Bare Away (J Ferguson), 2nd Flatoot (J Douglas), 3rd RS Quest (E MacDonald/M Turner). Race two -1st Flatoot (J Douglas), 2nd Bare Away (J Ferguson), 3rd RS Quest (E MacDonald/MTurner).