14 yachts set off from Fremantle ports in the annual Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club’s Bunbury and Return Ocean Race. Sailors have flocked to this years’ event in memory of skipper Rob Thomas and crewman Paul Owens who lost their lives when their yacht Finistere capsized.

As the fleet passes Mandurah, thoughts and emotions will undoubtedly flood back from that fateful night, for the families, survivors, fellow yachties and rescuers who came to their aid.

The course will take yachts out the passage and south to just off Koombana Bay Sailing Club, Bunbury before a drag race home. This event is included in the 42nd Farrawa Cup and ORWA Blue Water Series. With light shifty winds last night and a building Southerly today, head down to South Mole Fremantle to cheer them home. Follow them on YB Races App or visit rfbyc.asn.au