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MORETON DF95 CLASSIC - 2023

The Moreton DF95 Classic got underway on Saturday 25th under overcast skies and a NE breeze at Newport’s Jabiru Canal with eleven skippers competing.

After a comprehensive briefing, the racing got underway a few minutes after 10am.

AUS329 (Daniel Bergan) and AUS95 (Geoff Morris) settled into the conditions quickly and battled it out for first place in the first four races. Unfortunately, after race four, Geoff Morris took ill and was forced to sit out the next few races while he attempted to recoup sufficiently to get back into the event.

Moreton
 

In the meantime, several other skippers settled into the conditions creating widely competitive and entertaining races until lunch break. Hank Beyer, Mick De Sensi and Matt Priestly sailed particularly well in the conditions.

After lunch, the breeze moved more to the north and was a little more unruly, forcing a course change.

Unfortunately, after one more attempt, Geoff Morris retired unable to continue racing and reluctantly packed up and headed home. Dudley Allard also suffered a health issue and was forced to retire.

After the course change occurred, the breeze kept shifting back and forth between N and NE forcing skippers to modify their tactics showing some very inventive sailing in the three lap races. As a result of a rapid tide change and overnight rain, skippers began to notice some weed being picked up on their keels, creating a change in strategy to keep keels weed free.

All skippers sailed well and were justly complimented on their camaraderie and good nature throughout the event.

Congratulations to,

1.       Daniel Bergan

2.       Hank Beyer

1.       Mick DeSensi

Thanks to the Skippers, RO and all volunteers for a well-attended, well-sailed and wholly successful event.

 moreton results