Mary Maitland comes from behind to claim narrow win against Joker in harbour course race

The forecast for bad weather last Saturday put off a few skippers from competing in heat three of the winter series, however, three skippers and their hardy crews faced the chilly 16-knot westerly without much fuss to sail a harbour course in fairly smart times.

Two division 2 yachts faced each other for their encounter 30 minutes ahead of the sole division 1 yacht.

Chris Oldham in Joker had the better of Stephen Brown’s Mary Maitland for almost the entire race whether under spinnaker or not but with only a few seconds separating them, it was match racing at its best as they are almost identical boats.

Brett Hawker in Jesse James joined in and was sailing exceptionally fast as he tried to close the gap on the leading pair which had the 30-minute start.

As the race continued Joker was still just ahead of Mary Maitland with both skippers knowing that one error could see a new leader and also in the knowledge that Jessie James was making inroads on them.

Nearing the final mark before the finish Joker appeared to overstand the mark allowing Mary Maitland to sneak through and to go on to be 30 seconds in front for the first time in their two-hour duel.

Brown was declared the winner with Jessie James getting into second place and recording fastest time in a fine effort.

Chris Oldham was naturally disappointed to be third after his great performance.

There will be no racing over the long weekend with heat four to be raced on June 10 at 1.30pm