Nats 2016/17 Invertation Race

Good news from the race was the winners.  Alex, Andrew & Rob on 2232 Purple Haze started off a long handicap but sailed a near faultless race to win easily.  In fact they were the 2nd fastest around the course on scratch.   
Chook, Hayden & Riley also had a good race in Black Diamond.  Despite missing the start by a few minutes after an impromptu capsize on the start mark, they also sailed well to for an easy 2nd. 
Firestorm did nothing special but finished 3rd.  From there the stories start.  Raptor could have finished 3rd but missed the finish line.  Similar story with Meeks.  Incognito had a few teething troubles with their new boat (2241),  missed their start by minutes & then had spinnaker troubles throughout the race.  But they got around. 
Unfortunately TBS didn't make the start - someone fell through the mainsail.  I'll let Col, Adam or Janine tell the story.  Newcomers Jock, Peter & Nicola on Measurement Solutions also DNF'd but were looking good until 1/2 way through the race when some downwind gremlins jumped aboard & decided to swim them a bit.  Given some moderate breeze they will bounce back.