Honours to Grey Moose & Flasheart as the 2021-22 sailing season opens

Before racing began for the new season, Colin Bairstow, a senior officer of Albany Sea Rescue, addressed the large gathering of members and guests at the Princess Royal Sailing Club on Saturday.

He gave a brief history of the sea rescue group in Albany over the past 45 years and urged all skippers to log on to the service before venturing out on the water.

Bairstow also mentioned that with most people having smart phones there was a new app that could plot your vessel while you are at sea.

He announced the official opening of the 2021-2022 sailing season and wished all sailors good luck.

Skippers and crews were faced with a strong and steady 16-knot easterly, which was to quickly get rid of the winter cobwebs.

First fleet away was division 2 with five yachts competing over a short harbour course.

Stephen Brown in Mary Maitland won the start but was quickly passed by a quicker Flasheart skippered by the new vice-commodore Stephen Lee, who stayed in front for the duration.

Also making a long-awaited appearance was Karen Timmins who had Grey Moose moving well.

Neil Worrell and his all-female crew were in with a chance with Zuri and the newest boat in division 2, Saxon, skippered by Mark Paynter was on a shakedown cruise and certainly learnt a few things about his new toy.

Flasheart crossed the finish line well ahead and was rewarded with second on handicap and fastest time in a fine effort.

Timmins surprised with a win on corrected time with Grey Moose and should have a good season.

Stephen Brown took Mary Maitland into third place after a nice outing.

The Flying Fifteens strutted their stuff in the windy conditions, which suited Simon Lucas and FForever Young as he blitzed the other two to lead throughout and the further the race went the wider went the gap.

Aileen Lucas had Crazy doing well, but couldn't match the speed of FForever Young and went on to take second place.

Wayne North in Frequent Flyer was unlucky with a mishap at the start.

He had to return and lost valuable time, but never gave up trying to catch the other two.

Four Hansas had a demonstration race in a lead-up to the State championships that will be held soon in the metropolitan area.

They made a splash of colour on the harbour and Chris Oldham, who can sail anything, went on to a comfortable win.