Racing got underway this week in the Thurlow Fisher Lawyers 54th Cherub National Championships for 2016-17.

The Invitation Race provided some thrills and spills with the 40-boat fleet powered up by a 25-knot black nor-easter on Sydney’s Upper Harbour.

The fleet, which included 19 female skippers, experienced some high speed rides in the big breeze and flat water. Much of the action was caught by Ollie from Hartas Productions in the video below.

The championship racing got off to a much more pedestrian start with two very light weather races on Thursday and Friday. After two races, Davin Conigrave and Jess Stephenson from Drummoyne lead Alison Chapman and Andrew Stephenson, also sailing on their home waters.

After a new Year’s break racing resumes next Monday.

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