WINCHES groaned and crews were hard at work on the weekend in a Sailfest billed as one of the most exciting in the Newcastle regatta's history.
Strong winds drove exciting races in both the TP52 and offshore divisions of the event, which concluded on Sunday. Tony Kirby's Patrice claimed a nail-biting race to open proceedings the closing day of the 2021 event, a return from last year's COVID-19 cancellation.
"We got a great start and were just able to skim past the port marker, he said. "They're awesome boats in these conditions, just so fast."
Ichi Ban's Matt Allen said powerful winds had offered a boost.
"Sailing out there in that sort of breeze is incredibly exciting," Mr Allen said. "Also, everyone's so welcoming and relaxed up here. We love coming."
