It was full weight on the rail in the icy and blustery west-south-westerly wind today, when 110 starters got going in the third race, and those who hiked quickly got the best speed out of their boats.

Although the sun was out, gone was the 29 degree temperature of Wednesday and Thursday; instead the rugged-up competitors felt the brunt of 12-19 degrees, especially sailing upwind.

Shortly before 1.00pm, the yachts from A1 and A2 divisions were already into their second lap; blasting down the Harbour under spinnaker in big winds that propelled them quickly around the course.

Conditions allowed all divisions an early mark back at the CYCA, where many people were already enjoying Mother’s Day, while sailors of the male species would score ‘Brownie Points’, for arriving home early in time to give their wives and/or mothers a treat.

While the Bureau of Meteorology suggested a 15-20 westerly tending south-westerly, the CYCA’s Principal Race Officer, Denis Thompson, said the wind gauge hit 29 knots and averaged out at around 20-22knots and up to 25 at times.

‘The breeze varied between 260 degrees and 230-220 (west and west/south-west) – it was a great day out,’ Thompson affirmed. ‘A great day for sailmakers too – I saw at least two blown out spinnakers and a couple of mains too.

‘It certainly blew away the cobwebs; the day was such a contrast to last week’s light breeze. Today was what I call typical winter winds,’ he finished.