The tricky winds of Canberra didn't stop world champion sailor Petty Officer Darryl Bentley from winning the Masters Games Division Five sailing title in late October.
Petty Officer Bentley dominated the RS Aero class, claiming victory in six of the nine races and securing the overall win by a convincing nine-and-a-half-point margin.
He used his knowledge of the notoriously fickle Lake Burley Griffin to his advantage by observing flags, shifting wind patterns and clouds to judge when to zig and zag while others were caught out.
"Canberra sailing tests even the most experienced sailors - that full 360-degree wind shift was wild," Petty Officer Bentley said.
"It's a really good mental and physical challenge; you have to keep yourself on your toes out there."
The competition, which drew 154 sailors overall, involved Petty Officer Bentley defeating 15 rivals from around Australia in the Division Five nine-race series.
"It was great to mingle with the broader sailing community and fellow ADF sailors," he said.
Under the standard lowest-point scoring system, sailors completed courses averaging five miles, with most races taking about 40 minutes to finish.
For Warrant Officer Graham Baxendale, finishing among the top three boats in most races meant proving consistent skill.
"I had a couple of wins in some races throughout the week, which was a highlight," Warrant Officer Baxendale said.
"While I missed a couple of races, I look forward to competing against PO Bentley at the next regatta."
Warrant Officer Baxendale said people that are interested in sailing should reach out to the association.
"I highly encourage interested sailors to get involved and give it a go. It's awesome to get out on the water and compete against the other services," he said.
