A classic Melbourne south to south-westerly wind of 16 to 22 knots saw sailors battling whitecaps and an increased sea state of 1-meter waves at a wet and wild Sail Melbourne today.

After two days of a warmer northerly, the southerly change saw several competitors limp to shore on a day not for the faint of heart.

Victorian ILCA 6 athlete Casey Imeneo rode her knowledge of the Port Phillip conditions to a pair of keeper results in today’s two races.

“We had a big southerly with big waves and big winds, so it was quite a physical day. You had to give no inch,” said Imeneo.

“I got a two and one and we had some close racing with the other Aussie girls, so happy to come away with a clean day.”

Zoe Thomson and Casey Imeneo CREDIT Beau Outteridge

It was another good day for athletes already atop the standings, with Matt Wearn (ILCA 7), Hector Paturau (Men’s Kitefoil), Breiana Whitehead (Women’s Kitefoil), Grae Morris (Men’s iQFOiL) and Samantha Costin (Women’s iQFOiL) among those to extend their leads today.

Royal Brighton Yacht Club Life Member and two-time Olympic sailor John Bertrand AO was on hand to keep his eye on the next generation of Australian sailing stars.

“The Olympic program looks pretty good,” said Bertrand. 

“It’s on track with a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of youth coming through, and the feeder system that Australian Sailing has put together is impressive.”

Bertrand is also Patron of the Team Australia Challenge for the 2024 Youth and Women’s America’s Cups in Barcelona.

“We have a very close relationship with the Olympic coaching program through Michael (Blackburn) and the team,” continued Bertrand. “They are helping us in the training and preparation of our teams for the America’s Cups. There is cross-pollination and a sharing of ideas, so with Victor (Paya Canal) heavily involved it is also stimulating for the 49er and 49erFX programs.”

Hector Paturau CREDIT Beau Outteridge

Racing resumes for all classes at midday AEDT tomorrow, with a shifting forecast creating uncertainty on what weather to expect.

“The forecast keeps changing, initially it was looking light tomorrow,” finished Imeneo.

“There may be a sea breeze later in the day, but it’s Melbourne, you’ll get four seasons in one day.”

Sail Melbourne is supported by the Victorian Government.

Visit the Sail Melbourne website for more information on the regatta, and view a full list of results here.