In a season where sailors have been regularly blown from the water, the relatively calm conditions at the Big River Sailing Club last Saturday came as welcome relief.

The ideal morning conditions were near perfect for the ‘learn to’ sailors. Flat water and a moderate breeze provided the opportunity for a large group of developing sailors to practice their skills without fear of capsize. Yamba identity Mitch Smith also ventured out for the first time in one of the Club’s Access 303 dinghies and is looking forward to making it a regular occurrence.

The afternoon race started in good breeze, but by the second lap the looming storm cells had drained the area of wind, to the point where the tide became dominant and boats were forced to retire or risk being caught up river. Not so, however, for Bob Eggins and Brian Wright, who managed to catch the last of the dying wind and navigate their faster multihulls around the full course.

Next Saturday (December 6) the Club will hold Heats 7 and 8 of the Club Championship Series. The weekend following will be a Christmas breakup party and the last of official events for 2019. After a short recess, the Club will resume its sailing program on January 11.