Mary Maitland is the quickest but Zuri takes prestigious Kestrel Cup on handicap as small boats beat the wind

For the third Saturday in succession, skippers and crews had to contend with the howling easterlies with many reluctant to venture out due to safety and damage concerns.

With beautiful balmy autumn days during the week every sailor was looking forward to the same on Saturday, but the weather gods had decided otherwise and sent a 25-knot easterly instead.

The Flying Fifteen fleet were again unable to sail because of the adverse conditions and haven’t been able to sail for three weeks in a row.

Only two yachts from the mixed keel boats faced the starter for a King George Sound event, competing for the prestigious Kestrel Cup.

Neil Worrell, skippering Zuri, had opted to go JAM as he had only one crew.

Stephen Brown, with three on board Mary Maitland, was able to use a spinnaker and it was Brown who narrowly won the start.

However, Zuri was being sailed brilliantly and was ahead by the first mark.

Worrel still had the edge and as they made their way into the sound where Brown eventually caught and passed the leader.

Mary Maitland, under spinnaker was way ahead as they entered the harbour for three more legs but Zuri was hanging in and looking good on handicap as the race came to a close.

Mary Maitland crossed the finish line five minutes ahead but Zuri, with a very generous handicap, won easily on corrected time and took the coveted Kestrel Cup.

Brown had sailed well throughout to be second – and fastest – but Zuri stole the show with some great work from both skipper and his lone crewman.

Both skippers and crew proved that small boats can race no matter what the conditions and should be congratulated for their sterling effort.