2009 Audi IRC Australian Championships sets sail for the Gold Coast

by Glen Stanaway on 23 Jun 2009 With the third event of the 2009 Audi IRC Australian Championships, the 2009 Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, fast approaching, interest in IRC racing is at an all time high.

Since the renewal date of 1 June, Yachting Australia has received in excess of 215 IRC revalidation applications, from the 525 boats registered in the 2008 season, and a significant number of new applications from boats not previously rated.

Heading the 2009 Audi IRC Australian Championship going into the third event are Alegria (1.333 pts), Wot Now (3.152 pts), Ruth Magic (4.000 pts) and Loki (4.727 pts). With the points this close, the results of the 24th annual Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race are likely to have a significant impact.

Rod Jones’ Alegria, his second Archambault 40, won the Australian IRC Championship in 2007 when he took the title ahead of Ray Roberts’ Cookson 50 Quantum Racing by more than 11 points.

Graeme Wood’s Wot Now (JV52) and Stephen Ainsworth’s new Loki (RP63) are hot on the heels of Alegria and are strong competitive boats that will be looking for an edge in the upcoming race.

'Peter Hill’s Ruth Magic is placed third in the Audi IRC Australian Championships but is currently not entered in the 2009 Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. However he has expressed an interest to the sailing office to enter' explains Stephen Craig, CYCA’s sailing administrator. Peter’s Beneteau First 45 is sitting less than point behind the modern JV52 design of Wot Now.

Peter Seary, boat captain for the Wot Team says 'The Wot Now crew is in a good position for the Audi IRC championship event and is looking forward to the challenges of the remaining races to Gold Coast and at Hamilton Island.'

'It’s nice to see a good mixture of boats in the top places at the half way point of the Championship, with an interesting mix of grand prix boats and middle size cruisers and racers.'

The start gun for this 384 nautical mile race will be fired at 1.00pm on Saturday 25 July on Sydney harbour where a competitive racing fleet from across Australia will depart, turn left at the heads and sail north. The fourth and final event of Audi IRC Australian Championship is Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in August.

If you have not received your 2009 IRC information package, wish to have your boat rated or have any further questions relating to IRC, please contact Bob Chapman on 02 8424 7410 or by emailing bob.chapman@yachting.org.au.