Well we completed our first anual Gold Coast to Manly (Brisbane) Marathon of 70km in approx 5.5hrs last week end. This was a fair bit slower than the f18s and nacra 5.8's, but we had an excellent time.

One reach in at least 18-15 knots seemed to take about 1 hour alone. Getting lost, hitting a sand bank, forced into a mark, 2 near capsizes, sunburn and a broken spinnaker pole didn't help us, but made for some great experience (and I forgot to tension the rig). Hope I didn't let the 5.7 side down too much (but we are still learning and my son skippered for the first time and did very well).

The AHPC stable was represented by a Taipan 4.9, Taipan 5.7, Capricorn F18 and Viper F16.

The only downside is the congestion at the RQYS ramp, particularly when your support crew hasn't arrived with your beach wheels.

I expected to see a lot more 4.9s on the water. Actually the RQYS ramp brought back a lot of old memories of my Contender sailing days out of RQ in the 1980,s. It was often interesting approaching the ramp in an 18 knot Northerly, with a fixed rudder and 10 to 20 other boats doing the same. (Aahhh the good old 1980's)

I believe the RQ lawn has not seen this may boats for quite a while. well it still beats sand!

We might be able to come down. Can you please advise the program for this weekend. I will try to find info on internet also.
email carl@brownevans.com.au

Reagards