Good racing at National E’s despite unsettled weather

THE National E’s 52nd Australian Championship recently held at Portarlington Sailing Club boasted a high standard of racing across the 18 competitors.

However, Commodore Harry Mann said there was a couple of minor gear issues and some collisions at the start with some robust enthusiasm to achieve good starts.

The National E’s were held between January 6 and 10, and Mr Mann said Saturday was blown out with very strong wind and extreme heat, forcing the racing to be postponed.

“Sunday was a great sailing day with three races being run in the afternoon, a few people came down to enjoy the spectacle of some fine racing from the Portarlington Sailing Club and do some armchair racing and discuss championship tactics,” he said.

Mr Mann said Monday was another good sailing day when racing resumed, while, Tuesday was blown out with some strong wind upwards of 25 knots.

“The top boats were having a very tight race with the leads changing on several occasions for first place in lovely sailing conditions on Wednesday during the three races held on the last day, with the weather shaping up to make for an exciting finish.”

The National E’s 52nd Australian Championship followed the 53rd Hartley TS16 Australian Championship Regatta, which was held from December 28 until January 3.