Winners of both races were Rob and Sian Morton, with Tony Hastings and Luca Dorrough second, while Neil Fisher was third in race one, and Terry Kirby was third in race two.

Tony and Luca on MG14 “Superfly” led the fleet from the start of race one, while the Mortons’ MG14 “Wizard of Oz” made an unusual error and started late.

At half-race distance, Superfly had extended the lead to almost a leg of the course, before capsizing on a gybe (downwind turn). This enabled the Mortons to catch up, and the two boats raced side-by-side around the last lap, finishing just metres apart.

All agreed it was tough going. Even the multihulls struggled in the conditions; a crew member was lost overboard and required a lift back in the rescue boat.

Terry Ubrihien’s Nacra won the first race, then retired, leaving Dennis Stanton’s Weta to win race two.

The wind increased in race two, which the Wizard handled with speed and confidence, while Superfly sailed conservatively to minimise errors and boat damage.

There was a thrilling battle for third place, as the Sabres of Neil Fisher and Terry Kirby traded places around the last lap.

Neil was initially ahead, then Terry was able to come alongside and claim buoy room at the last mark.

They enjoyed a tacking duel to the finish, which Saw Terry cross the line a boat-length ahead of Neil.

Next week, practice races will be held on Wallagoot Lake while some will contest the Twofold Bay Yacht Club’s regatta.