Isobars spread wide as fleet tiptoes north

by Rob Kothe on 1 Aug 2004 Bananas in Pyjamas Etchells skipper, Ian 'Biggles Johnson, aboard the 2004 Ingles Sydney to Gold Coast race leader Skandia reported on overnight conditions.

‘Full moon, almost like daylight. Our race so far has been fantastic. Our navigator, Will (Oxley)says our current ETA is 11am Monday and with the isobars on the weather map a country apart our race to race is on.’

‘Four of our ten crew including our skipper have to be at the first heat of the Etchells Worlds at midday on Monday in Mooloolaba. We have our fingers crossed and are going as hard as we can to cross the line in time. The race to race is on.’

And a tough race it is, In the pre-dawn this morning the 98 footer Skandia was 19 miles north of Sugar Loaf Point, seven miles ahead of the second super maxi, Stewart Thwaites 98 footer Konica Minolta.

Sean Langman’s 66 footer AAPT is clinging to third place, only two miles behind.

Brindabella still only 12 miles behind the leader is fighting to hold off the Volvo 60 Serious Ten and Ichi Ban.