2025’s Winter Marathon showed some early promise for better than forecast 1-5 knots East South Easterlies, as the 13 strong mixed fleet rigged up Sunday morning. Rippled water and a warm sunny day meant that spirits were high and no matter what the forecast, we were in for a delightful afternoon of sailing. As well as the usual arsenal of A Class cats, a couple of Taipans, Windrushes, Wetas, one Hobie, a Tasar and a very sultry dark grey Nacra 5.8 made up the fleet for the day. It was nice to see newcomers Efran and his son Ben rigging their Windrush ‘Beast’ as they prepared for their first LSWA Marathon. Typical of the comradery and friendly spirit found within our club, Jeremy leant a hand guiding father and son in the finer points of setting up for the light conditions.

In the spirit of all great marathons a longer course was set, allowing the fleet to explore the full length of our beautiful lake from H buoy all the way to the Powerlines and back. The somewhat aspirational plan was to complete three large triangular loops for the multi hulls and 2 smaller loops for the monos. Never let it be said that sailors are not dreamers. Naturally, everyone was hopeful the forecasters had got it wrong.

As the 5-minute warning sounded, a dozen boats inched their way toward the start. Fluky breaths of wind from all directions meant that by the time second race started, barely any boats had even crossed the line. Throughout the race, puffs of breeze continued to pass over various parts of the course resulting in a race where large gaps in the fleet were often shrunk, as leaders fell into holes and trailing boats caught up. By the time we rounded the C Mark a shortened course was called, and boats were advised to round the Powerlines mark and head directly home for a finish. Remarkably after almost 3 hours of racing there was a photo finish between 2nd and fourth over the line and only a minute and a half separating 2nd from 5th.

Thanks to all the team who made the day possible, including Haylee in Race Control and the volunteers in the safety boat..

To view race results go here or see below.
To view more images go here