Day 1 is out of the way at Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024, much to the delight of those who found the going tough, particularly the smaller off-the-beach boats taking part in the 150-strong fleet – and as the saying goes – today is another day.
For the adrenaline packed two-person Formula 18s (F18s) taking part, yesterday's big winds fighting an opposing tide, coupled with big gusts, made sailing hard for all.
Even the tough Tasmanians had a difficult time of it, as Firefly's skipper, Rohan Hollingsworth explained: "Big waves and even bigger gusts. The breeze was in the low to mid-20 knot range and 80 percent of the time there were waves going up to Double Cones.
"We capsized, the boat turtled and we were both underneath the boat. The (ABRW) rescue boat came to check we were OK. We were. We got the boat up and kept going and then we had another broach. We were trying to bear away and get the kite down, but couldn't, so we decided at that point to pull out," Hollingsworth said.
The day's F18 winner was Athena, crewed by Robin and Anthony Fleming. Robin Fleming said, "No capsizes for us. We sailed conservatively. We didn't want to push the boat too much and that was the key. We're heavier than the other crews too, so we could bear away where the lighter crews couldn't.
"With the wind going one way and the quick tide the other, it had the affect of making the waves stand up. It wasn't straightforward," said Fleming, confirming what others from the various classes said.
Racing is set to start from 10am today, with similar conditions predicted to those of yesterday. However, winds will be a little easier to handle, with 16-19 knots average expected to be served up and gusts up to 23 knots.
And in more good news for the F18s and the 4.4 Weta trimarans, their two windward/leeward courses will be entirely on Pioneer Bay today, making the going easier, especially as the incoming gusts will be easier to spot.
Multihull Racing Divisions 0 and 1, along with IRC/ORCi Division 1 and the Performance Raing Division are off first at 10am. They are headed on a 29 nautical mile course taking them from the Pioneer Bay start, as for all classes, then to White Rock, Denman Island, Hannah Point, Grimston, then the finish on Pioneer Bay.
Multihull Racing Division 2, IRC/ORCi Division 2 and Cruising Divisions 1, 2 and 3 are off next at 10.05am and will do a 24nm race to Roma Point, Denman Island, Hannah Point, Pioneer, Bluff to the finish.
Cruising Non Spinnaker, all three Trailable Yachts divisions and the Multihull Passage division follow on a 19nm race to West Molle Island, Pioneer Bay, Bluff, then to the finish.
Noted photographer, Andrea Francolini, will be out on the Ocean Dynamics RIB again today to capture all the action.
Ashore, the Quality Marine Clothing store is doing a roaring trade, a pleased Marita Wilmot said, "People were waiting for us to open and then we were mobbed. Lucky I had help!"
The colours of the clothing are vibrant yellows, pinks, blues and more and are providing extremely popular, so sailors, family and friends are advised not to miss out.
And the night time entertainment has been well-received. Tonight, following the prize giving, live music will come from DJ and the All Stars featuring Emma Pask.
Daytime dwellers don't miss out either, as WSC is hosting a daily art exhibition including a guided tour and a creative class with creative connections - watercolour.
Ocean Dynamics and Mount Gay Airlie Beach Race Week 2024 is held from place from 8-15 August and
enjoys continued support from Tourism and Events Queensland, including as a feature on the It's Live! Queensland events calendar. The event also enjoys support from Coral Sea Marina Resort and d'Albora Port of Airlie Marina.
