Fremantle to Exmouth Race & Rally: Start line defined

Kondili - Fremantle to Exmouth Race & Rally © Bernie Kaaks

Start for Race and Rally fleets off North Mole

Thirty-seven yachts milling around in the entrance to the harbour was probably not a great idea, but the principle of keeping the start close to North Mole to allow spectators a good view was sound and that remains intact.

The line will be north west of the end of North Mole, but close enough for spectators to get a good view. Race yachts will start between the start boat and a buoy on the shore side while rally boats will pass to the west of the start boat.

From there boats will travel close to shore until they get to a day buoy off North Cottesloe and head out to sea, so there will be lots of vantage points along Marine Parade.

Weather - An amateur's take on the forecast

A high pressure cell well west of Fremantle is currently over 1030hPa and moving slowly to-wards the coast. It is expected to weaken as it closes on the mainland but the speed at which it moves in and the rate at which the central pressure falls will decide our breezes for the race.

Early travel should be slow but developing south-easterlies could hurry things along a bit beyond Geraldton. There could also be a possibility of light conditions near Exmouth.