Three more heats in the Australian 18 Footers League Super Skiff Series, sponsored by the Club Marine insurance company, took place on Saturday 24 November in strong winds peaking at 25 knots.

The first heat of the day was won by “d’Albora Marinas”, skippered by John Winning, which led from start to finish. “Rag & Famish Hotel”, sailed by John Harris, did very well to move up from eighth place at the first mark to take second place. Trevor Barnabas on “Omega Smeg” finished third.

Harris seemed to have thrown away the day’s second Heat when “The Rag” capsized one minute before the start, but some quick crew work had the boat up and sailing again before too much time was lost, and they charged off in pursuit of the fleet. “d’Albora Marinas” was again at the head of affairs at the windward mark, but made an infringement and capsized while making a penalty turn. “The Rag” sailed an excellent downwing leg, and took over the lead, which she held to the finish. “Omega Smeg” took second place ahead of “Derwent Racing”, which had sustained a sizeable hole in her hull from a collision in the earlier heat, and the hastily applied tank tape just held on long enough to get her to the line.

The stresses caused by the blustery wind resulted in only 11 boats coming to the starting line for the final Heat of the day, which proved to be even more punishing than the previous two.”The Rag” took the winning gun, followed by Hugh Stodart on “Express Post” and “Omega Smeg”.

It was later decided that, in view of today’s damage to the boats and a forecast of more strong winds on Sunday, racing would be called off until the reserve day for the series, which will now be completed on Saturday 1 December in Sydney Harbour.

The series will make exciting viewing when 15 programmes are screened on Channel Nine in January and February, during the lunchtime intervals in the international cricket series.