Race Report Saturday 4 April 2026

DBSC’s Annual Easter “Round the Harbour” Race

A harbour to ourselves… Photos by Kerryn Smith.

Changing Breezes, Changing Courses, and No Sheep Stations Lost

Saturday’s race started with all the best intentions and a southeasterly… which promptly went the other way. The overcast and somewhat threatening-looking weather ensured the harbour was very quiet. The briefing reflected a plan to use the Navy “White” can north of Clark Island, but once the breeze swung SW, we reverted to the original course (and WhatsApp wisdom) to try and give everyone an honest beat.

Original (and actual) course

Boats were stationed at every mark and instructions were issued loud and clear… mostly. Some boats got the message, some sailed the briefing, and some appeared to sail their own personal version of the course. Classic harbour racing.

The handicap system on the day was both brilliant and not. A couple of our new sailors, Benjamin Phillips and Megan Taylor, without a race history but clearly plenty of talent, enjoyed a 20-minute plus head start and absolutely made the most of it, coming in first and second, respectively. Congratulations to both and to Steve London, coming in third. Behind them, the rest of the fleet finished tightly packed, proving the system worked, well… for most.

There was some post-race discussion around results, but no sheep stations changed hands. Throughout, spirits remained high and it was hard to argue with good racing and having the harbour largely to ourselves.

Thanks to the on-water team (Mike Dunne, Scott Finlayson, Kerryn Smith and Van Allen), and to Shirley and Michelle Power for producing toasties.

Michael Dunne, PRO