Report by Brad James
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The sun was out and wind lacking, with some nervous crew and skippers for a special trophies harbour race with talk of island course instead. But the weather reports advised that the breeze was to freshen into the afternoon.

​​For the Div1 Spring Series Race 6 (and final in the series) the wind was 10-17knots, SE course, tide going out till 3:15pm.
 
In weather you wouldn’t put your cat outside in, the coldest November weekend for 16 years, the usual (but less 2 boats)  suspects lined up – us in RGT, SF after a very late exit off their mooring to just make the start, AOE and BT. LOEG is one week away from returning so that’s good, and NL is hopefully back soon. Thankfully the (light) rain stopped just before the start but started again right on the finish. The temperature remained constant all day at shivering.

​Excitement filled the air with the first race of the Special Trophies Series. We saw Fine Balance, Snowgoose, Farrago and of course Xena running the line for the Harbour Race. With light air at the Rowers Club, we stuck to the middle for the start and to take advantage of the fresh air. High South West winds were predicted.

​ I read the news during the week and found headlines on various days that read, "lost dogs looking for chains". Then "oysters looking for rocks", "beaches trying to find sand", and the last head line was "what is Huey going to send us on Saturday"! Who cares! The AOE crew is prepared. We are a well oiled machine!  We accept what ever is given to us. After an early arrival at PRSC I find a pie oven and warm pies!!!  Jim the innovator has acquired a pie oven and has put pies on for the teams prior too and after sailing. Many thanks Jim.

​Special Trophies Race 5 started in a sou easterly breeze at about 15 knots but with holes around Abbotsford Pt. 2.15pm high tide and all four Div1 boats in attendance.
 
The start was spectacular with all boats at speed and right on the line on the gun (no Barry the battler, none of us were over as confirmed by Anne – an optometrist booking has been made for you……..) with RSGT to windward of AOE, LOEG and SF. The blaze across to east Bedlam Bay was overproof rum and SF footed through to leeward and after a couple of tacks laid Searles to lead by a couple of boat lengths from RSGT with LOEG inside them, and these positions held on the close reach to Drummoyne Pt.

​The river was welcomed us with scattered clouds and a nice ESE breeze at around 10 knots. We were to find out that this nice breeze did have plenty of gusts, lifts and knocks in. Darrell forgot his gloves so he claimed the helm with Barry and I grinding.  The foredeck work as assigned to myself because I “need the practice”......

​I don’t think I have sweated so much in the lead up to a race before. The lack of wind had us worried as we struggle when the wind is light. But as always great humour was aboard Memphis. Thankfully after a mercy dash back ashore and to the local, we had some suitable refreshments for the day out.....

​The day started with very high humidity, a reading of 92% to be precise. We were able to read this before the race on the newly installed weather station base unit inside the doors out to the deck. 92% translates into 'dripping wet' when even thinking about physical activity......