THE first race day of meteorological autumn was immediately recognisable as ideal for water-loving species such as ducks and sailors.

Watery, grey, above and below with a gusty, indecisive wind, originally blowing heavy rain from the South West, four boats took to the lake for Cup Series 9.

Sadly, Dave Perrett's Solo approached the first buoy from the wrong direction, meeting Liam Routley's Laser and Brian Pollard's Bosun, with Tash Routley as crew, coming the other way. Dave happily unravelled his course, but sadly not sufficiently to fully correct his mistake, meaning a retirement.

Meanwhile, Nathan Pollard, with 7sqm Aero rig, had already taken a strong lead, unthreatened throughout the race.

Third and fourth place remained more in question, Brian not giving up on catching Liam, who held the Bosun off to the finish.

Results (once handicaps had been applied): 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; 3 Liam Routley. Retired: Dave Perrett.

FLEET numbers were boosted for Commodore Seven by the launch of John Dabbs’ Bosun with Rachel Cope crewing.

By now the rain had become less aggressive and the wind had surprisingly rotated a full compass point, causing a complete reversal of race direction.

After a pre-race capsize, Nathan was again first and fast away, to lead throughout.

The fickle wind gave little opportunity for overtaking by strategic tacks, but although Dave had established second place during lap two, jousting for position between Laser and Bosuns continued to the end of the race.

Results (after the corrected times): 1 Nathan Pollard; 2 Jointly Dave Perrett/Brian Pollard and Tash Routley; 4 John Dabbs and Rachel Cope; 5 Liam Routley.

Thanks were expressed to the officer of the day Linda Spiller and to the photographer of the day, Jenny Routley.