Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race - Light but Fun!

by Peter Hackett on 30 Mar 2013 In the Allyacht Spars Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, the multihulls enjoyed a spectacular day on Moreton Bay with a spectator fleet in all forms of dress enjoying the view.

The predictable soft winds delayed the start until 11.30 am and as the wind direction settled, the blue book was thrown to the wind as more barges than on a dutch canal converged on the one or two boats that were on the right side of the line facing in the right direction. Individual recalls and some nearly angry words helped the fleet get away in the five knot northeasterly.

CutSnake stole the best start from us on McMoggy, and it took quite a while before the black and beautiful Morticia broke away followed by Spirit, Boss Racing and the Lightwave Raider in catchup mode. Screachers were furled and unfurled seeking the zephyrs, and by the time we headed out of the bay, Spirit was showing real form up front while the rest of us followed the example with big spinnakers set in the weak southerly change. As predicted, tonight will be the real test as we all squeeze out the last of the southerly change under a bulbous Easter moon.

Story filed from inside the very comfortable cabin of McMoggy in my offwatch as the news helicopter buzzes the team on deck.

Yellow Brick Tracker at http://yb.tl/mbgyr2013 can be used to follow the fleet.