Gale force winds force Savills inshore

by Rob Kothe on 27 Nov 2005 The booming sounds of the signal gun eching over a windy Middle Harbour fired at 7:00 am and Code flag U over numeral 1 was hoisted from the Starting Box at Middle Harbour Yacht Club this morning.

Principal Race Office director John Hurley has announced that gale force winds forecast for the second day of racing in the 28th annual Savills SORC Regatta had forced relocation to Sydney Harbour

He said, 'The weather bureau advises there is a developing low on the NSW coast. After consultation with Manly Course Area Race Officer Ken Mascord and One Design Course Race Officer Denis Thompson, the race committee made the
decision.

'Offshore seas currently 2-3 metres could rise to 4-5 metres, hence the move inshore.

'There is a possibility that that wind conditions could prove too strong on the One Design course area on the Harbour as the wind builds during the day.

'The Course officers will make decisions and advise the fleet with signals ass required on the water.'

This morning’s forecast released by the Weather Bureau for Sydney Coastal Waters,Broken Bay to Port Hacking and 60nm seawards:

Gale Warning.

Sunday until midnight: Wind: S/SW 25/35 knots, possibly reaching 40 knots offshore. Sea: 2.5 to 3.5 metres.Swell: SE/NE 1.5 to 2 metres. Isolated morning thunderstorms.

With many of the boats racing in the Savills Regatta preparing for the 61st Rolex Sydney to Hobart and the 25th Pittwater to Coffs race, a day racing offshore with strong wind against tide conditions with a gale warning and thunderstorms possible reinforcing the wind strengths means this decision will be welcomed by skippers.

The Official Notice to Competitors has been posted on the official notice board and will shortly be posted on the official regatta site at www.sail-world.com/savillssorc2005