16 Sabres braved the annual Albert SC regatta, held in an invigorating 13 degrees midwinter Melbourne. We were part of a big mixed fleet of sailing craft, making for testing but friendly mark rounding. Officials ran three minute rolling starts, often coping with 20 degree wind shifts.
Sailing conditions ranged from a 5kt south westerly during the two Saturday afternoon races and a 10 to 15kt northerly for the four races on Sunday. Close racing ensured with the first three Sabres in one race finishing within one boat length.
Results favoured the local ASC boats with Geoff Saliba edging out his club colleague, Anthony Berger by one point overall. Then a gap to third skipper, Bruce Abbott followed by Geoff Dresser and Harold Medd, all from Black Rock.
All agreed that the conditions kept us on our toes with positions changing through each race. Wind holes and swings made each skipper work hard to hold their position and capitalise on others misfortunes. It was a great test of tactics and alertness and added to our store of knowledge and cunning!
