With a forecast of SW wind of 23 to 35 knots it was bound to be an interesting race, and two damaged spinnakers resulted from the gusty conditions. A special course was set by the Race Officer, keeping the boats mainly within the shelter of the river. A new system started the boats at 5 minute intervals, with Amanzimtoti and Origo going first. The fleet of six boats beat its way up river towards the windward mark. Jetta's spinnaker, aided by the wind, decided to launch itself over the side as she approached the mark, causing a short delay! Origo, the smallest boat, was going well as she headed back down river towards Nare Point. Amanzimtoti, with Roger McDonald sailing her single handed, followed Origo in the increasing wind and rain. Big Purple was really impressive on this leg, managing to keep the boat moving fast, and upright, despite the strong gusts. When Jacobi passed the entrance to Gillan Creek, flying her white spinnaker, she recorded a gust of 35.7 knots which almost laid her flat on the water. Origo was sailing very well in the testing conditions but her spinnaker became wrapped around the bow on the penultimate leg of the race, which lost her several valuable minutes. Jinjy had her first outing of the season, about 18 inches shorter than last year, and now painted green instead of black, but after starting late, she retired towards the end of the race. Big Purple finished well ahead of the fleet, winning both the PY and IRC sections, and Jacobi managed to pass Jetta on the final leg to the windward mark.