Winter series heat victory to division one boat Jessie James despite 30-minute head-start for Zuri

Only three skippers indicated that they were starters in heat four of the six-race winter series at Princess Royal Sailing Club.

Unfortunately a frustrated Stephen Brown’s division two yacht, Mary Maitland couldn’t leave its pen due to engine failure leaving Neil Worrell in Zuri to cross swords with the larger division one boat Jessie James, skippered by Brett Hawker.

Zuri had a 30-minute start and was moving well in the brisk northerly that was piping in at 14 knots at the start but dropped off as the race progressed.

Hawker had opted to go JAM but it didn’t make much difference as he made up time on Zuri on every leg.

Zuri tried everything to keep ahead but all to no avail as Jessie James slipped by and took the race in fine style.

Heat five will be conducted this Saturday and hopefully more boats will be on the water.