However, the officers of the day were able to co-ordinate races and even get the rescue boat back on to it’s trailer. 

Despite the drama, two handicap races went ahead, which a club spokesman said was all about racing as fast as possible through a tight line and can take years to master. 

In the club’s handicap start races, each boat’s handicap is based on their previous race results, so that the fleet should all finish together. 

Sailors who have improved, either by making their boat faster, sailing a better course or making fewer mistakes, should win the race.

Sian Morton won the first race and scored third in the second to show her experience on the lake. 

In the second race, she touched a buoy, which required a penalty turn, and the time lost was what cost her second place and possibly the win.

Darrin Lydierd sailed his Hartley 16 well to finish second in race one, while third was Mike Stove.

Winner of race two, Brian Wright, said he won because he didn’t let go of the jib-sheet – unlike he did in race one.

He said the knot tying the two ends of the rope together came undone, and slipped through the cleat.

He let go of the end he was holding to grab it, but ended up with both ends getting away from him, and losing time as he frantically tried to re-thread and re-tie the ropes.

Tony Hastings sailed his Laser Radial to second place, after arriving too late for race one.

Meanwhile, a group of boats including Gote Vikstrom’s Laser, Derek Lewis’ Contender, Ian Wood’s NS14 and Josh Dorrough’s NS14 all raced closely.

Dorrough said he had a good race. 

“We didn’t capsize – that’s a win for us!” he said with a laugh. 

Rob Morton debuted his new boat, a racy single-handed skiff called an RS100.

Organisers said it looked spectacular on the water, particularly when the spinnaker was up and the boat planed across the lake.

No doubt he will come charging through the fleet in races to come.

Organisers said the sinking was the story of the day, but officers were able to place the buoys and even get the rescue boat back to its trailer.

The boat is very old, with many patches, cracks and holes.

The club is now seeking a replacement hull, preferably around 15-foot (4.5m) long.

The club is also looking to acquire a hull with an open cockpit for carrying the buoys, anchors and other equipment.

Anyone with info on a suitable boat is urged to contact the club at wallagoot@yahoo.com.au or visit www.wlbc.org.au for more details.