Saturday evening’s official opening of Geographe Bay Race Week attracted some 500 revelers to the tiny country club. They filled the main hall, sat shoulder to shoulder under the new shade sails next to the building and overflowed onto the lower lawns where a special marquee was erected to accommodate a temporary bar.

Race Director Scott Olney took charge of operations and welcomed his visitors with a sincere vote of thanks. Well prepared race packs were handed to each competitor as they registered. Busselton Mayor Phil Cronin, himself a sailor, added his welcome to the comments made by GBYC Commodore Anton Mann.

The remnants of Cyclone Zelia slowly moving through the WA hinterland will probably add a sense of uncertainty to the breeze on Geographe Bay. Sailors were anxiously scanning their weather forecasts to make sense of what to expect.

South of Perth is well represented at the regatta. All registered Flying 15 entries are from our Club, together with some Vipers, keelboats and many crew.

The first day of racing was delayed while the breeze filled in, eventually giving sailors a most enjoyable light weather sail around the bay.

Watch next week’s edition of Coffee Pointers for a full report.