It was with some nervousness that we all faced the starters gun yesterday. The supposed NorWester was actually a SouWester which meant we were going with the wind to start with and would have to endure a final 1.5km directly into it on the way back - unless it changed - which it didn't.
Despite the headwind, it was one of those "adventure" type races that had everyone telling their story at the end. You have Butterbox at one end of Long Reef and Makaha at the other end - with numberous little boyles and bubbles along the way. Some competitors chose inside lines and some outside. Often the "safer" outside liners got hammered because they didn't go outside enough.
As a testament to what an awesome racing course this is and was, there were 8 lead changes between myself, Steve and Sam. We all had at least 3 falls and we all had a sniff of victory on the way home. In the end, one wave seperated the 3 of us with Steve getting a split second nod over Sam for 2nd place. Steve was racing the new Fanatic Falcon...it seemed to work pretty well.
Everyone in the field had a great story. Big Ben Brown (4th) has frightening potential. Stuey Murray (O40s winner) and Banga Chalmers continue their rivalry (5th/6th) and a new one is commencing between NNSUP (Johnny Engel) and another big fella Lee Johnson who completed his first race yesterday. As a former top ski paddler, it won't take him long.
The warrior award for the day would have to go to Angela Sawers who is small in statue but has a massive heart. The SW'er had really got up after the front guys finished but she toughed it out over last couple of kms into a very strong headwind. I was watching her, and just thinking "that's gotta hurt".
In terms of the pointscore, it was nice to see different winners in all the 4 categories yesterday. With only your best 3 of 6 races counting (and the 20 Beaches being double points) it will be close. The girls comp is looking particularly strong Neelie, Terrene and Ang likely to battle it out for the pointscore title at the 20Bs.
Rod took some photos so we will try to get them up soon.
All these lead up races are designed to help everyone prepare for the 20 Beaches in a couple of months. Everyone competing yesterday said they were up for the 20 Bs which is great. Last year we had 27 starters - hoping for 50 this time.
The remaining 4 races are downwinders. Hopefully Huey co-operates and we can start having some real fun
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For results go to:
http://online.oceanseries.com.au/media/pdf/Results/King%20of%20the%20Reef%20Results.pdf
