For this Harbour race there were two contenders in division 3, Xena Warrior Princess, and Windfalls. The blustery weather delivered 25 knot NE bullets interspersed with 5 knot lulls and having misread the “silent” start  Windfalls found herself chasing down Xena Warrior Princess, before catching her near Gladesville bridge and built a moderate lead. ​

​We all assembled at the club for delivery to LoEG ( League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) midday.
At the boat it was the usual bit of light maintains reload the Esky, next  we see Willo and George rowing to the boat. All aboard so up goes our main, drinks called as we head down to the club.
Talk then starts about sail selection for the harbour, with a run out tide and the wind on our back coming home.  The right selection of the jib can make our day.

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.