Flying in to Hamo at 12:55 would usually mean missing the race, not so today. The winds on this perfect one day better the next 'Whit-Sunday' were chasing cloud somewhere down the coast. A quick check in to the Reef View hotel then straight down to the big red RIB and an express post out to the fleet as they head for home. First stop 'Alive' searching for breeze in the sheltering behind Dent Island, launching kite after kite and back looking for the favourite gear. Three miles behind coming out of the shadows of Lindeman Island, the MC38 fleet lead by one of the first out of the mould Dark Star which sat up excitingly at a firming 8-10knots, wind not seen in the previous 6 hours. Hunting glory in a new class Marcus Blackmore's Hooligan was next to spread her wings feeling the breeze. Eventually Elena Nova, (aka bend her over) hit the new breeze running, literally with their crew running determined to get to the start line amongst drama of Virgin flight being turned back to Brisbane the previous day. David Burt and his mates jumping in a hire car and drove the 1200km through the night to reach the early morning ferry at Chute Harbour. words, photo Craig Greenhill