Spectacular as it is amazing

by John Curnow on 14 Aug 2016 Well that pretty much sums up the next round of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week from August 20, 2016. The spectacular result of a record 252 boats sailing around in the amazing location of the Whitsunday Islands only needs this said – ‘Good Luck’ to all and ‘Well Done’ for making the commitment to get there and be part of it.

Spectacular as it is amazing also applies to the whole equation, and thereby becomes a marvellous tribute to the late Bob Oatley, AO. In the first year after his passing, this really is something quite special. In fact, I wouldn't mind betting they will do something during AHIRW to mark the occasion.

Rob Mundle, OAM, said this as a way of making a statement. “It was through being at Race Week in 2002 that this passionate sailor, and famous winemaker, led his family company into purchasing the resort island and developing it into a world-class destination.”

“Bob was equally passionate about expanding Audi Hamilton Island Race Week to where it stood unmatched on the international sailing scene. The size of this year’s fleet, and on-going resounding endorsements from high-profile Australian and international yachtsmen, confirm there is now no other regatta in the world that can equal Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.”

“For that we must all salute Bob Oatley AO, who sadly passed away in January this year”, said Mundle in closing.

In the warm up regatta at Airlie Beach, itself with a record 131-boat fleet, they have been basking in great conditions. Don’t use it all up now! Nice work by Andrea Francolini to capture it so well.

Indeed one commentator said to me, “OK. OK. We know the weather is good at Airlie, but I’m definitely looking forward to more detailed reports on the actual racing…” Put simply, Drew’s work says way, way more. Well done, pal. You are the man!!!

Going to the results tables we see the charming Tony Considine’s APC Mad Max is out in front in the multi’s, Beau Geste are getting set for win in IRC, and the smiling Darryl Hodgkinson has Victoire going along nicely in Cruising Div1. In the Sportsboats, Where's Wal? seem to be going a lot quicker than when they were caught in a traffic jam at the top of the F3 on their delivery trip, after a car and caravan had jack-knifed with some serious results.

Just loving the Tidetech charts for Rio and the tracking is great, too. Good technology there. Not going to put the hex on anyone, but Tom Burton will medal, Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin are still shining, Jake Lilley is going well, and Mat Belcher and Will Ryan are in good shape. In a deeply religious country, you might think that having a chat with whomever you follow may be enough to help your cause.

Jumping right into the here and now, and you have so much information to absorb, where does one begin. There’s Rio, and then some more Rio. Laser Youth World Championships, and the Vendée Globe are there too.

Always a sucker for pace, and Lloyd Thornburg’s Phaedo3 takes another Line Honours win, this time at Cowes Week. Conditions prevented them cracking the extra half hour required to get the record, so you think that just means they will be back for another crack at it soon enough. So there is simply the proverbial plethora of material for you to explore and review.

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