by Mick Gwilliams
Rear Commodore, Port Douglas Yacht Club


Despite the rain Race 4 of the 2011 Poseidon Sailaway Club Championship Summer Series rewarded those sailors keen to sail as the weather held off for the afternoon race.

As the skies began to clear and the breeze lifted five yachts powered up to the top mark of the windward leeward course. Series leader Ann Sea rounded first closely followed by Ice and Port FM Mais Oui.

By the second leg the gap between the leaders began to build as Tau Ceti and Whitecap dropped off the pace. Andrew Walker on Port FM Mais Oui tried desperately to keep up with Tim Preuss on Ann Sea and Mick and Helen Gwilliams on Ice but the conditions favoured the bigger yachts.

Ann Sea fought off a surprise attack from Ice as the two yachts raced around the entire course in close proximity with Ann Sea holding on to take line honours.

Ann Sea surrendered first place taking out third on corrected time just 35 seconds behind Port Fm Mais Oui in second and two minutes behind Ice in first place with Whitecap fourth and Tau Ceti fifth.

As the yachts cruised home the skies closed in and the rain began to fall but not enough to dampen the spirits of the triumphant competitors blessed with a perfect break in the weather and a great afternoon of sailing.

Ann Sea remains on top of the leader board on 7.5 points closely followed by Port FM Mais Oui on 8.5 and Ice on 13. Race 5 is on 12 March with the final Summer Series heat on 26 March.