Camera IconJust Grace behind Jessie James at the start of the Gallipoli Cup. Credit: Des Beeck

Just Grace powered around the harbour course to clinch the Princess Royal Sailing Club’s Anzac Day trophy, the Gallipoli Cup, on Saturday.

It was a first victory for a delighted Wayne North who found himself at the head of the field and finished first, in the fastest time.

Eight yachts from the mixed keel boat fleet started the race, which was conducted over a harbour course in very light conditions.

Brett Hawker, who normally skippers Jessie James, was absent and allowed his crew to take the boat out.

Unfortunately, they read the wrong course and retired after realising their error.

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Camera IconThe winning crew of Just Grace: Harold Keay, Wayne North (skipper), Darren Dyer, Benn Gray and Eden Gray. Credit: Des Beeck

Chris Oldham, aboard Joker, was faring better than keen rival Stephen Lee, in Flasheart, and the pair were well in front of Mark McRae, in Sicarius, Richard Hodgson’s Escapade and Grant Tickell in Major.

However, even as the breeze dropped out Just Grace cracked on.

Race officials had thought of shortening the course but when Escapade and Major Miracle retired knowing that they would run out of time and light, the idea was dropped.

Five yachts finished as the wind dropped to three knots.

Just Grace won handsomely and recorded fastest time.

Joker was in second place and heading for the finish but found the muddy bottom allowing Flasheart to take over the runners-up spot.

Joker’s crew managed to extricate the boat from the mud to finish third.

Camera IconJust Grace powering under spinnaker. Credit: Des Beeck

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