2018 iSail Whitsundays Contender World Championships - Day One

The atmosphere has changed since the pre World’s Australian Nationals at McCrae Yacht Club on the Mornington Peninsula – tension is in the air and the boat park was quiet with last minute tweaks to eke out a few more fractions of speed for Day One.

Peter Merritt, Principal Race Officer, took the fleet left to Rosebud in search of wind and promptly started the first race with 90 boats and 6 World Champions.

The usual Australian suspects, Jason Beebe (AUS 2482), Mark Bulka (AUS 2457) and Jono Neate (AUS 2652) rounded the windward mark in quick succession stretching ahead to battle to the finish.

Jason lead for most of the race until the last downwind gate when the split came with Mark – AUS 2482 went right and AUS 2457 left.

Nip and tuck until the finish covering each other allowing the 2016 World Champion, local McCrea YC sailor, Mark Bulka to take the bullet.

Jono Neate quietly sailing in clear air took second with Jason Beebe bringing up the rear in third.

The planned second race was abandoned due to lack of wind but tomorrow is looking perfect conditions for three back to back races – keep up to date with all of the action via Race Tracker Live: www.contenders.sailracer.org.     

Results available at www.mccraeyc.com.au and videos by VR Sport Media.