BEATTIE ON SENIOR MISSION

After two years of being held at bay by weather conditions, catamaran and dinghy sailors from all over Queensland assembled on the beautiful waters of South Mission Beach to compete in the Zhik Pty Ltd. Mission Beach Weekend. All were hopeful that the weather forecast was correct and the wind would keep just below the strong wind warning level to allow this now 30­year-old event sponsored by Zhik (this year) with assistance from Airlie Sails and local businesses to take place. On the Friday before many had arrived and tested their sailing craft. Pleasantly they discovered the breeze strong but not over the limit.  The Nacra F-18 sailors were especially keen as they were getting ready for their rapidly approaching Australian Titles and were given the added benefit of the Nacra North Qld title being held over the weekend.

  Several of these sailors had travelled to Mission Beach over the last two years and were hoping at last for the chance to race around the island. Several of the leading skippers had spent the winter in Europe and had contested many races there. The numbers in those European events was always over 70 so it was going to be a bit different with only nine Nacra F-I8s racing in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia. Another highlight was the first appearance in North Qld of the Nacra 17, a powerful new class which is attracting many catamaran sailors. To keep the Nacra's honest an old model Tornado and a Taipan 5.7 with spinnaker were also competing.

Saturday morning dawned with a light westerly but by 7.30 the easterly sea­breeze was blowing. The 10 am start saw about 10kts of breeze which assured those carrying minimum weight had a slight edge. Quickly Adam Beattie, fresh from his overseas sailing took the lead. The action of the wind blowing past and around Dunk Island before hitting the course ensured that the breeze shifted frequently coupled with many varying holes. It was clear a tack or jibe at the wrong time could cost the sailor many places.

The course was of the Olympic style that is windward return laps and it showed how the right hand side was favoured for the first lap with the left side next time. Adam Beattie took the heat from Michael Guinea with Mal Richardson third. Behind the spinnaker carrying leading boats there was a great yardstick battle between 16 square Nacras, Hobie 16s and other non-kite craft. The use of windward return courses ensured that all the leaders would be those with spinnakers.

The second race was very similar; one had to remember that the breeze and lifts were constantly moving so good observation was essential. Again Adam Beattie was marginally quicker and took the flag from Mal Richardson. It was clear after a short lunch break the major race around Dunk Island would take place.

At 2pm the race was on. Our photographerTom Orr once again was taken out from the beach by an incredible small boat operator Jeff Andrews to ensure all would have some good photographic memories to keep. The Tasar monohull fleet started first followed by the mixed group of 505s, 29ers and 49ers combined with the old stalwart of monohulls, the Sharpie.

The smart catamaran sailors watched these boats head for the island and worked out the best line. Adam Beattie again was fastest but the wind shifts ensured that anyone was still a chance. The south-east of the island has a place where the tide going east west and that going north south met creating a washing machine effect.

There were many whirlpools and awkward wind against tide sections to test the nerves and composure of the sailors. Once through they began the downwind leg. How close should they keep to the island? If the breeze went a bit east keeping close to the shore was the shortest but if the breeze moved there would be a hole close to the cliffs. Most kept a safe distance so they knew they would keep moving. Mal Richardson took the gamble and hugged the land riding the larger waves in close. It worked and he caught the leader Adam Beattie. By Purtaboi Island Mal could claim a port starboard position and take the lead. They both gambled on an extra gust as they raced across the bay to thefinish. Mal Richardson held the lead to take the flag by a couple of boat lengths from Adam Beattie. Behind this pair were many battles equally as close as all enjoyed a great circumnavigation of Dunk Island. Perhaps those who were heavier would have preferred more wind.

Sunday morning saw similar conditions with the wind varying between 5 and 10 knots. The shifts and gusts were still occurring making prediction of the right way to go difficult, Warren Guinea made a good start and got a good wind line to establish a clear lead. Both Adam and Mal jumped the gun and while Mal was able to do a dip Adam rounded the start buoy giving the rest a start. Warren claimed an easy victory from Mal and Michael Guinea which meant the series would be decided by the last race. Adam was determined to wrap up the series and made a good start closely pressed by Mal. Both always had to cover each other to enhance their chance of victory. Warren back in seventh place with no room to gain took a brave gamble on the last windward and went the opposite way to the rest. The gods smiled on him and he went from seventh to the lead which he held to the finish. Adam held second to take the series from Mal and Warren. The non F 18 Nacras saw victory going to Steve Martland on his 16 square while the non Nacra cats went to Rob Black on hisTaipan 5.7 with spinnaker.