There is a thread in the open forum going, I sailed the race and have done a write up.
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=175271#Post175271

Darryn
Mozzie
1782

Great writeup Darryn and well done.

You would think in a race like that the organisers could do more to help people find the marks, like anchoring a yacht nearby with a big flag up the mast or something like that. It must have been hard to spot - or maybe there was too much following-the-leader going on.

I think alot of follow the leader, pretty well a drag race to oblivion, looked like they were having fun though.

The club is getting taller marks for next year which will help. As several of the locals also got caught out I doubt this situation will happening again.

How do you find the visibility while flying the kite? Looks to me like the two crew boats cannot see much to leeward and the single handers are just to busy to look around.

Darryn

We have a marathon mid Jan every year over about 30kms as the crow flys. We have a boat standing off each mark which helps a lot but finding the marks is half the fun I reckon. Local knowledge of the shore line is a distinct advantage.

Sounds like a lot of fun over there but 5hrs from Melbourne seems quick. Do you know some short cuts or do you drive with the kite up?

Cheers

I frequently duck down to look under the kite. A good reason not to set the pole too low!

It only took 5 hours to get over the bridge into Melbourne from Kingston SE when I went to Sauna Sail last year. I had the local knowledge but everytime I turned my head the boat was going over, the main thing was we didn't listen properly at the briefing the mark upwind was 400m of shore, downwind 1km out. Guess who was motoring 400m of shore downwind. I knew we were too far but I was having a fantastic time, 13km downwind first time with spin in wind and it kept getting windier down there, so I kept going after Steve he thought I knew where I was going so he kept going. What a laugh next year it will be better organised but it will never be perfect, we're a 7 boat club in a small town but we do have sandy beaches, flat water, wind, cheap food and beer. Darren sailed that race spot on and that will help me get some Mozzie's on the water here.
regards

I knew the lighthouse was 4 km past the club, I just gybed down the coast surfing the bigger waves that were kicked up along there and when I was level with the light house looked out to sea and saw the lead Nacra heading for the bouy. I agree that navigation is a key factor in distance races and really tried to familiarise myself with the local landmarks, payed off this time.

Darryn
Mosquito
1782

After reading the reports I think I might join you next year. All that fun AND cheap beer!

Post the date when it's locked in and I'll try and organise a kid free weekend with the ex and get some pointers on the quickest way to get there from you guys.

Cheers