14/06/2026
Today our fleet was offshore racing in Race 3 of the Winter Short Ocean Pointscore, with competitors greeted by a light 6–8 knot north-westerly breeze and cool temperatures off the Newcastle coastline.
Challenge timed the start perfectly to be first boat across the line and quickly established themselves at the front of the fleet. Showing strong speed throughout the afternoon, they steadily extended their lead around the course and ultimately claimed line honours as the first boat home.
The opening minutes weren't without drama. Near the start line, This Way Up and Mako were involved in a port-starboard incident, with This Way Up immediately completing penalty turns before resuming racing. Despite the setback, This Way Up recovered well and remained competitive throughout the race, eventually securing third place on corrected time.
After clearing Newcastle Harbour, the fleet split on strategy as they worked south toward the first rounding mark off Merewether. Most boats elected to continue under spinnaker further offshore before dropping spinnakers and turning back toward the coast. Summer Salt chose a different approach, dropping their spinnaker earlier at the heads and sailing a direct course to the mark. While the offshore route allowed boats to carry their kites longer, Summer Salt's shorter track paid dividends, saving valuable distance and proving to be one of the defining tactical moves of the race.
Conditions gradually built throughout the afternoon, increasing to 8–12 knots from the west before swinging south-south-west and freshening to 10–15 knots for the final leg toward home. With the changing conditions and race timing, the Race Committee shortened course, finishing the fleet at the end of Nobbys Breakwall.
Then, while the Race Committee vessel was stationed offshore observing the fleet, a pod of four large whales surfaced nearby and spent around ten minutes putting on an impressive display, providing a memorable backdrop to the day's racing.
When the corrected times were calculated, Summer Salt's tactical decision and efficient course around the track earned them the Division 1 win ahead of Challenge and This Way Up. In Division 2, FIGJAM took the honours.
Race Results:
PHS Div1 results
1st place - Summer Salt
2nd place - Challenge
3rd place - This Way Up
PHS Div2 results
1st place - Figjam
IRC results
1st place - Challenge
2nd place - Summer Salt
3rd place - She's the Culprit
Thanks to all competitors, volunteers and the Race Committee for another great day of winter offshore racing.
