Docklands Invitational Blowing Dogs of Chains

4:26 AM Thu 22 Jan 2009 GMT

'Skandia Docklands Invitational 2008' Andrea Francolini &copy

Docklands Invitational 2009- with strong winds building, Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson held the 17 boat fleet ashore this morning.

In the 2008 series, some of the best racing was in winds of 25+ knots and there were hopes that winds would moderate to produce some spectacular racing, but the weather gods have not cooperated today.

SAILING - Skandia Docklands Invitational 2008 - 20/01/08 - Melbourne (AUS) - FLIRT II - ph. Andrea Francolini - Andrea Francolini&copy

Hot hot north westerlies have continued to blast across Port Phillip and the latest buoy recordings indicate that racing is unlikely to be a sensible option

In the north western corner of the bay, it's blowing dogs off chains.

At 1400 winds at Faulkner Beacon had been gusting to 43 knots. The sky is full of red Mallee dust.

The chances of the Invited fleet racing today seem unlikely and an abandonment horn at 1500 is on the cards.

by Rob Kothe

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