Race Two was short and sweet. The start horn went, everyone pulled on but nothing happened. They made us stay like this for 5 minutes before they realised we had not even progressed passed the committee boat. Most of the MG’s only had their skipper on board as the crew had got bored and walked over to other boats for a social chat. I could not believe that we could jump off our boat and still walk on the bottom of the lake so Luke decided to hand the tiller to me and abandon our boat also for a chat with the other sailors.

Race Three was in the afternoon with the breeze now there, but only just. Interesting sailing was happening with boats going in all different directions trying to find the best breeze. We tousled with Phase 10 yet again and some choice words were coming across the lake at us. Phase 10 particularly did not like the assistance I was apparently getting from my propeller hat. The breeze finally came on the last two legs of the race a little to late if you ask me but you know what they say better late than never. Racing was now over for the day and we were feeling good with our performance. Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club put on a lovely dinner for us and Geoff from Phase 10 had some words he wanted to say to us. We listened and showed him the utmost respect but told him we would still be on his tail the next day.

Day Two brought Race Four and again no breeze in the morning. We were rigged up and wondering what had happened to Windfire’s crew as no one was in sight. Emily then arrived by herself and everyone was beginning to think that the start would be postponed due to no wind. Lucky for us we overheard one of the other sailors walk by saying the start had not been postponed so on the water we go in order to make the start. William finally arrives about this point. Windfire unfortunately received a DNS in this race because they crossed the start line ten minutes after the start. The wind swung ninety degrees but we had already started so they could not adjust the course. This made racing interesting because what was supposedly the upwind turned into a reach and the reach an upwind. It really put our knowledge and racing skills to the test and became an advantage to the local blokes who understood what was happening. At lunch Jono from Fireworks gave us a handy hint about what direction the wind comes from when it is constant on the lake.

Race five the final race of the regatta the wind finally comes. The wind seemed to come by the truck load with steady 15-20 knot winds which made for great racing. Again we got caught up with Geoff on Phase 10 in another battle going downwind. We got the better of him going upwind keeping the pressure on him and he finally cracked, but we ended up in another battle with him on windward return this time winning. The next upwind was a breeze with Geoff going off on a different tack to us. Jono’s advice helped a lot on the upwind as we had a 50 metre lead on him after rounding the top mark. Going full steam ahead Geoff capsized and gave us an even bigger lead, “thanks a lot mate.” We got to the wing mark, it was time to gybe so we did and nearly ended up in the drink ourselves. We managed to save it but that’s not the only thing we managed to save after the little incident we let everything off including the main sheet so I pulled the kite on and the mast bent like a banana. It must be true what they say about us being banana benders. After that the reach was filled with excitement as we were literally flying across the lake, we really did find the groove that leg. We ended up beating Geoff and nearly caught Windfire as well. Overall we ended up finishing 5th in the State Titles, second overall on handicap, most improved for the weekend and most consistent for the weekend. One of our prizes was a brand new Jib thanks to the sponsor Ullman Sails. The new sail was a great bonus and will help us out at Nationals. We have never sailed with a fleet of MG’s before as this was our first serious regatta

sailing Voodoo. Can’t wait until Nationals as we had a blast at Lake Cootharaba. I would like to thank Geoff for his hospitality and great singing. I would also like to thank Windfire for the comradeship away from home and how could I forget about Mum and Dad. With out them we would not have been able to compete at the State Titles.

Jono Palmer and Luke Wonnocott, Voodoo.