Luke Molloy/Lucas Prescott in 8395 - TIMAAYY! close behind Howard Hamlin/Mike Martin in 8714 - Black Boat -- Photo: David Fisher

Matt Hansen, sailing Crimson Autograph, West Australian 505 President, commented that the wild conditions in 25 knot winds gusting up to 36 knots certainly tested out the skills of the international contingent from twelve countries. Nevertheless home town hero, Peter Chappell with Ian Davidson, sailing in his Fremantle 505, "The Fish" managed to sneak through and win from Howie Hamlin, of USA, the world 18ft skiff champion with crew Mike Martin in "Black Boat".. Australians, Luke Molloy and Lucas Prescott, in "Timaayy!" were third.

The Grolsch International 505 World Championships pre world event, the Australian Nationals, started with an early introduction to the Fremantle Doctor, the well renowned Fremantle sea breeze.  The winds this season have been the strongest since America's Cup in 1986 and today was no exception. This is the first 505 world championships with the boats carrying the new larger spinnakers and as expected there was action aplenty.   Shore side after the race was a hive of activity repairing broken gear and checking out for any weak areas.

Confirmed entries of over 100 boats with around half being international sailors, many of whom have a string of world sailing trophies, ensure that this will indeed be a memorable regatta and a battle of the giants.

• Recollections of Australian Nationals/Pre-Worlds Race 1