Last weekend the Island Race, Race 8 of the 12 race Siska Trophy Series, was held by Royal Perth Yacht Club. 15 yachts took part in the clockwise circumnavigation of Rottnest Island in the 39 NM race. Conditions were excellent for the offshore fleet with most finishing ready for sunset rehydration festivities at the bar.

Division 1 IRC Handicap Results on corrected times are ‘Checkmate’ of Geoff Bishop almost 10 minutes ahead of Wayne Pitcher’s ‘Lithium’ with David Davenports’ ‘Crush’ just 2 minutes further behind. With just 22 seconds between first and second and 10 minutes between top four in a six hour race in the PHS Handicap.

Division 2 IRC Handicap Results on corrected times were ‘Salacia II’ or Ross Norgard comfortably ahead of Hilary Arthure’s ‘Wyuna’ and Lyn Powell and Ian Whitehead aboard ‘Fourth Dimension’. Long day on the water for ‘Minds Eye’ and ‘King Kanute’ who kept Race Control busy till just before 6pm.

Thank you again to all our tireless volunteers on and off the water to bring these events to the ocean sailing community. Well into the last half of the season with only a few races to go. Gage Roads Race (Mar 18), 59th Cape Naturaliste and Return Race (Mar 31), Roland Smith Ocean Race (Apr 15) and finally the Fremantle to Exmouth Race (May 6). All the seasoned volunteers, skippers and crews are all looking forward to a relaxing break in Exmouth. Visit sportspage.com.au or oceanracingwa.com.au for all the results.

By Warren Erasmus; Australian Sailing – The Sunday Times WA – Outdoor Explorer! Section - Around the Buoys Column