Port Stephens Annual Regatta

A fleet of eight F18s raced in the Port Stephens Annual Regatta over the
weekend. The major manufacturers were all represented with four Tigers,
two Capricorns and two Nacras attending.

Two races were conducted in ideal conditions on Saturday. Mark Laruffa
on the Capricorn led around the top in the first race, followed by Brad
Sumner, Peter Skewes and Dan Corlette. Sumner's extra time on the F18 showed with excellent crew work regained the lead on the first downwind spinnaker hoist and held for the remaining three laps.

In the second race, Laruffa with a good start and the advantage of the Capricorn's uphill speed to lead for the first half of the race. With a main block failure on the Capricorn cleating the main and reducing it to a four to one, saw the lead change on the third work. The Tiger crossed the line for its second win followed closely by Skewes and Laruffa.

Sunday's racing was postponed with the Nor-Easter failing to eventuate
despite the hot conditions. The fleet prepared for a start at midday as
a Southerly change filled in. Within the hour the breeze was gusting to
over 30 knots and racing was abandoned for the day as the breeze
continued to build.

The next F18 regatta is scheduled for the 6th/7th of December at Wangi.
With Wangi hospitality and great Lake Macquarie conditions the event is
sure to be a huge success.

Final Results:
Brad Sumner 1,1 Tiger
Mark Laruffa 2,3 Capricorn
Peter Skewes 4,2 Capricorn
Richard Brewin 7,6 Nacra
Brian Gatt 11,8 Tiger
Brad Nixon 10,9 Nacra
Dan Corlette 3,DNF Tiger
Darren Nicholson 9,DNF Tiger