Port Elizabeth Delivers Wind for Hobie 16 Nationals MyZA

Once again all the weather guru’s got it wrong – for a week before they predicted a good 15 to 20 knot Northerly breeze for the last day of the Boardwalk Hobie 16 Nationals sailed in Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth from 27 to 30 April 2012.

With only four races sailed after 3 days of racing the fleet were looking to end on a high note – 3 races were sailed in a North Easterly breeze that presented challenging conditions from 6 to 18 knots on Course 7 (A sausage, triangle, sausage). The first race had to be shortened at the wing mark in a dying wind and most of the fleet were scored DNF with only 13 finishers.

The fleet paddled home and waited for the breeze line on the horizon to make it’s way to the sailing area off of Shark Rock Pier.

An hour later the wind line filled in from the North North East again and the fleet started in a rising breeze under the I Flag. The rising breeze resulted in a shorter than normal course. A quick adjustment and the fleet set off for the 3rd race of the day and the final of the series. The dying breeze at the finish put paid to further sailing and the back to back was lowered.

Port Elizabeth delivered varied conditions – light, strong, variable and from 3 points on the compass making for fair competition.

The Start of the 6th Race

Rounding the Wing Mark

The start of the 5th race