Day 1 of the Australian B14 National Championships got underway with the Briefing at noon today. The Fleet were semi ready for racing as the first of two fronts approached Port Phillip Bay.
As the PRO was discussing the localised conditions and importance of sign on and sign off at the club one of the changes that he was talking about swept down from Portsea to the club. Intense in speed, the approaching winds were picking up the water on the bay and it was a complete whiteout approaching the club. On impact the wind blew over one of the boats on the front lawn and a number of others were “sat” on to ensure their safety.
Observations put the initial wind force at an epic 66 knots out on south channel island and up to 45 knots at the club. On average the breeze stuck around 30-38 knots for the following 3 hours and then moderated slightly toward late afternoon.
Racing was abandoned for the day and to test out the mobile tracking devices was replaced with a scavenger hunt to the local businesses who have kindly sponsored the championships. Three teams competed for the collecting glory and all used: good initiative, creative licence and bribery to ensure their success on completion of the challenge at 1600hrs.
Racing is due to start at 1430 hours tomorrow and all the measuring has been completed ready for the world championships. Winds are forecast to remain strong from the west-sou-west at 20 to 25 knots tomorrow which should make for interesting racing on the course.
More information on developments throughout the championships can be found at the following locations:
B14 Skiff Sailing: Â https://www.facebook.com/pages/B14-Skiff-Sailing/484707851594741?fref=photo