It was a warm but cloudy start for Act 2 of the 3 Buoys Challenge series. Although the forecast was for a good breeze the wind was a light, but shifty SW’erly with some gusts. As the eight boats ventured out to the start one boat was seen to take a very early swim only 100 metres from leaving the shore ! There was still a bit of flood tide running as race one got underway. The fleet split with some boats remaining offshore in the tide and others heading straight inshore. As the boats approached the windward mark the first five boats were closely packed with Richard & Carol rounding first followed by Anna & Keith then Phil & Lorna. At the leeward mark Richard & Carol rounded first a couple of boat lengths ahead of Dave & John. These two remained neck and neck with both leading at some point until the fourth beat when the former opened a good gap which they held to the finish. After a slow start Steve managed to up the pace to finish third. By the time race two started the wind had picked up somewhat and continued to be shifty and gusty with only four starters. Dave & John led for two laps until Richard & Carol sneaked past on the run to take race honours again with Steve second. As we headed for shore the clouds cleared so we all enjoyed lunch on the prom basking in sunshine.