Cock of the Bay Start: No Breeze - No Problem!

4:06 AM Fri 26 Dec 2008 GMT

'The Short family's TP52 flyer - Cock of the Bay 2008' John Curnow

As predicted, the Reichel Pugh 36 'Smooth Criminal' took early honours in the 2008 Cock of the Bay, started just off Station Pier on a wonderful sunny morning.

Just on 100 boats appeared over the glass that was Port Phillip Bay from their various clubs and almost like a storybook, the breeze filled in just enough, some 5 minutes before the gun, to get them away an their 34nm course to Blairgowrie. With it too came some clouds and the chance to play the weather to seek that all-important advantage.

The fleet packed the pin end of the line, close ashore to the Kerferd Road Pier, but it was the middle that offered the best option. Although caught early, another RP, the 46foot 'XLR8' came out to sea a little and got the new Southerly; enough to give her second round the first mark off St Kilda. The delightful 'Belle' used the most of her tallest stick on the water and was also in the top five. The super-quick TP52 'Shortwave' was caught right in on the beach, but recovered a little to be in the top ten and start making over double the VMG of some of the other boats around her as she managed to get into some real breeze. Expect a big finish from her, as the fleet gets into the genuine Southerlies further down the bay.

COB Start - breeze just kicked in in time - Cock of the Bay 2008 - John Curnow

By the time the fleet had got to the Sandringham mark 'XLR8' had got in front of Smooth Criminal' and the other larger boats were also being slingshotted to the front. 'XLR8' did extremely well at this year's Hamilton Island Week The windless hole that is the Carrum Bite awaits the fleet just up ahead. Who, if any will be lured in, like ancient mariners to the rocks beneath the Mermaids?

One of the best things to be seen this morning was the number of families out to see the start in all manner of boats. Happily, all managed to keep well clear of the fleet as the manoeuvred in the flukey conditions. All looked very happy and the dips and antipasto seemed to be going down a treat. Some of the backmarkers even had other cruising type yachts accompanying them for the journey and this is what the Cock of the Bay is all about - getting all and sundry involved. With the favourable weather conditions being enjoyed, I am sure they will stay down on the Peninsula to partake in the festivities of tomorrow's 'Tassie Trio' start.

The ORCV Cock of the Bay is proudly sponsored by the Entire Group, a fire services organisation.