Melbourne to Port Fairy (M2PF)

There was always going to be rain.

Robyn Brooke, that oh so famous half of The Secretary Double Handed team, is the assistant Race Director for Port Fairy. The other half of the team, Immediate Past Commordore, George Shaw, is the Race Director. Robyn has posted this information for us. "The race was delayed 30 mins and started at 0400hrs. Conditions, from Dry White and as at 1200hrs were wind on the nose; 15-20knots from WSW with 2 metre seas. They are being pushed further South than they would like and are dropping off the occasional wave."

"Conditions are sunny after some early morning drizzle but the wind is chilly. Pretty Woman decided not to start the race", Robyn said, "so we have the fleet heading for Cape Otway. 13 are still racing now. Independent Endeavour have retired with crew failure listed as the problem. They are due back at Port Phillip Heads at 2000hrs,  this evening."

Ed: Rain is a feature of the area. After all, Cape Otway is a rainforrest....

Cape Otway's Lighthouse - what they are all aiming to be near, but looks like they'll be well out to sea...

Reports from race leader, eXtasea, show conditions to be a bit tougher. "Since the last email, we've been averaging about 28-32 True Wind Speed with the puffs going to more and a pretty nasty chop over swell, too.... Having said that and aside from the occasional squall, it's really quite lovely sailing.... We've had a wonderful view of the cloud capped coast, which would be a nice place to be with your morning coffee and croissant! The ubiquitous dolphin family escort and the usual range of blue and not so blue humour have been the entertainment. Just keeping an eye on the navigation now, as we approach Cape Otway. Lets pray for a nice little right hander as we turn the corner", said Stu Addison from onboard. i can't help thinking they may be asking for a bit too much right now, but we'll see what Huey, the God of Wind, delivers in the next little while.

So you know you want to go off with the fairies. Go HERE for the Tracker.

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

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	This is one hell of a tourist destination! Bring the shore crew - they'll love you for it and you'll get leave passes  whenever you want from then on.  No. Really. Promise.