2015 Rolex Farr 40 Worlds – Estate Master’s mixed fortunes on Day 1

by Di Pearson on 25 Sep 2015 Day one of the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds at Long Beach, California, was one of mixed fortunes for Martin Hill’s Estate Master; the lone Australian crew found themselves in sixth place overall, with a best result of second in the last race of the day.

Three races were held in typical Californian weather. Racing was postponed for half an hour while officials waited until the breeze filled in and steadied. The day started out on flat water and a light six knots, building as the day wore on.

Estate Master finished down in ninth in race one. Martin Hill explained: “The locals always go right, but we thought there was more breeze on the left, as did Plenty (defending world champion), Enfante Terrible (2013 world champion) and Flash Gordon. It was not a good decision by us, it was a shaky start.”

Race two rolled around and the breeze had increased by a few knots, with Estate Master fought back to eighth after a premature start.

“I think we covered more ground than anyone in that race, just getting ourselves back up to eighth,” Hill commented wryly.

“We can’t afford mistakes in this fleet at the Worlds, but we had to put it behind us,” Hill commented as they headed to the last race of the day.

By race three, the Australians felt at home when the usually flat seas became choppy as the wind strength increased to 12-16 knots. Hill and his crew, including five-time match racing world champion Ian Williams on tactics, fought back to finish second.

“We were happy – even Twirler (Darren Jones) was smiling. It was good to finish off that way,” Hill said.

Estate Master’s results initially left her in seventh place overall on 19 points, but following protest outcomes, most notably the disqualification of leader, Flash Gordon 6 (Helmet Jahn), moved the Australians into sixth place. Defending world champion, Plenty (Alex Roepers), is the new leader on 10 points, Nightshift (Kevin McNeil) is second on 12 points, and Groovederci (John Demourkas) is third on 14 points. All three are representing the USA.

“It wasn’t the best start for us, but I have my heart in winning the Worlds,” Hill said after racing. “The boat and the people can do it.

“We recovered in the last race; we have to look forward now. Enfante Terrible (Alberto Rossi, ITA) had a shocker too and are five points behind us. And as we all know, things can change dramatically in sailing, so we are staying positive.”

Racing continues at the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds tomorrow and ends on Sunday. A maximum 11 races are scheduled for the series and racing is due to commence shortly after midday each day.

Since the inception of the Farr 40 Worlds in 1998, only three Australian yachts have won. John Calvert Jones (Southern Star) won at Rhode Island in 2000, while Richard Perini (Evolution) in 2005 and Guido Belgiorno-Nettis (Transfusion) in 2011 won on home soil off Sydney.

Estate Master is one of 17 boats from six nations entered for the Rolex Farr 40 Worlds and Pre-Worlds which are being hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club.