Only Australian 505s are scored during the Australian Championships, so official results show Australians only. On the race course, most of the International competitors are racing hard, as this is an excellent warmup for the World Championship that starts on the 12th, you just don't see their finishes on the official results (the unofficial results we are posting include everyone).
Racing Conditions have been excellent. Townsville is very hot and sunny, and quite dry. The sea breeze builds every day, and we launch into water that is quite warm, or as the locals say "bloody warm!". There is no need for wetsuits except for padding! Most sail in shorts and T-shirts, but you have to watch the sun, which is incredible!
Sailing today was incredible, with 15-18 knot winds and some small shifts. The 505s were planing fast upwind, and just flying down the tight reaches. Tactics on the run are particularly interesting, with some teams sailing very low and pumping on the waves, while others chose to sail high with the crew on the wire, sailing a greater distance, but going much faster.
The race course is a short sail from the beach; you could launch with less than 30 minutes to go, and still have time to tune on your way to the starting area!
As might be expected, the Nicholson brothers are sailing very well, and currently lead the Australian Championships.
Ali