The Opening Day lunch was well attended and as always with plenty of good food.

Sorell mayor Kerry Vincent officially opened the season with positive comments about the recent progress at the club after an opening by new Commodore Michael Verrier who nearly collected the reef on the way out to the the course giving new rescue boat driver Aiden some early maneuvering practice.

Michael Semelbauer was keen to get on the water with his boat which provided an excellent platform for photographer Lyn  Keil for the day.

The sail past was taken by Kerry Vincent at the end of the jetty .

The Scott Miller Memorial race got away at 14:06 after a minor hiccup in the start box an the first try.

The fleet included Australia a B14 sailed for the first time by Jack Whittle and D. Mountford as well as Early Warning with Ross Daley and new crew Bee Thurston-Regar and Lucas Upton in his brand new Sabre The Apprentice.

Phantom took the lead early and was first to the top mark and was first at every mark thereafter.

Next were Serenity, Viva la Vida, Early Warning and Aquaholic jostling for the next four spots with Serenity pulling away from this group as the race continued.

The Sabres were putting on a show with the first three in a tight tactical battle with The Apprentice and Wasabi swapping position regularly as they nipped at the heals of Rocket Man sailed by Chris Keil.

At the back of the fleet Wind Wizard Tony VanGalen and LMG Michael Verrier were having their own private battle.

Australia was out on her own as the new crew came to grips with the new boat before retiring late in the race.

Phantom was first home 10 minutes clear of second boat home Serenity then a minute later Viva La Vida Darren Eggins and Alistair Lord with Aquaholic Perry Caulfield and Early Warning Ross Daley and Bee Thurston-Regar only a few seconds apart.

Next home was Hedgehog with Melinda and Hamish Lord, then nearly a 10 minute gap tp the Sabre battle with The Apprentice Lucas Upton and Wasabi getting through Rocket Man after Chris got a bit overheated and took a swim.

The three boats continued a close duel right to the finish with Wasabi taking the inside line at the bottom mark to get the gun from The Apprentice with Rocket Man just eight seconds astern.

Tony VanGalen held off Michael Verrier to hand him the wooden spoon for the day.

On handicap the results were,

1st Serenity Scott Wilkie and Georgia Ottway, second Phantom Steve Miller & Lauren Bird third Hedgehog Melinda Lord and Hamish Lord

Photos courtesy of the MPYC facebook page.

Results at the foot of the page.

Gallery