A DEPLETED field of diehard yachties took to the water last Sunday for the final official race of the sailing season.
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With a cool day predicted and moderate winds from the south west, two sailors had a special reason to be on the water.
They were Jan Ibs von Seht and life member George Grellet who were sitting in equal second place in the club's 12 race Pennant series.
To decide who would ultimately take out second place, they both had to compete in this final race. The leader of the pair would decide the results.
To add even more interest to the last race, it was the club's traditional stern chaser.
This meant that the sailors with the highest handicap would lead the field off, and as time elapsed, more boats would join the race from the start line in their decreasing handicap order.
If everyone sailed to their best ability in a moderate breeze, all boats should have finished the race at the same time.
The club's Officer in Charge of Racing and chief handicapper, had his work cut out determining the staggered start times for each competitor, but in the end had judged them well on a day that saw variable wind strength.
Leigh Edwards was first to start in his theoretically slower trailer sailor, although depending on the day, Edwards can out perform some of the smaller dinghies and their skippers.
Next over the start line, three minutes and 30 seconds after the lead boat, was the first of the Impulse Dinghies with more than 10 minutes spacing before the entire fleet had started.
Both Ibs von Seht and Grellet set off together towards the middle of the field and Andrew Pearce shortly after that in the only laser dinghy.
Last to start was Johno Knight who has been consistently the best Impulse dinghy sailor for the season.
In some great tactical racing in moderate wind, Edwards and crew mate Casey Knight managed to keep the lead right to the end with Johno Knight only a split second behind as they crossed the finish line.
Grellet sailing 'Going to one day' unfortunately could not hold on to his nearest rival Ibs von Seht in his new boat 'Equilibrium', with Ibs von Seht managing to pull away during the three lap race.
Competitors took approximately 45 minutes to complete the course.
Had the wind conditions freshened, the lighter and potentially faster dinghies may have caught Edwards, but he certainly deserved the win on the day.
Last Sunday concluded what has been a busy sailing season for the Stawell Yacht Club.
The club is already planning for next season and is looking forward to introducing some new sailors into the sport.