Postcard conditions - Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta

by Di Pearson on 2 Mar 2008 Day 2 of the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta dawned as many have lately – pouring with rain and overcast, but it didn’t last; the sun came out and south to south-easterly breezes, although light, made for good sailing conditions for the cast of over 2000 sailors who gathered at the host venue, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, for the final day of the regatta and the last chance to for the opportunity of being in the mix for a brand new Audi A4 .

Lindsay Rose, owner skipper of Eves Delight, was hopeful of contesting three races. “We only had one yesterday which was disappointing as the weather was ideal for the Adams 10’s, so we’re hoping for three today” said Rose who is currently 10th placed.

“There was a short chop and a bit of swell which made things a bit difficult; trying to gybe your spinnaker downwind was a bit hard. The Adams’ love to surf downwind though; they’re quick. Let Loose (Paul Saunders) went from fifth to third by surfing one wave to the finish!

“Another Dilemma (Jim Curtis) won yesterday’s race. They are the three-time national champions so they’re the ones to beat. The owner Jim Galago came all the way from the UK just to compete at the Nationals and at Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta,” Rose said adding: “I’m just hoping we get some breeze. Winds will be a bit fluky, but there won’t be much current; so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

In the Sydney 38 one-design division, the leading contender Transfusion had a change of skipper today with Guido Belgiorno-Nettis unable to sail due to a previous commitment. The helm was put into the capable hands of young 18ft skiff sailor Herman Winning. “We’re a boat full of young sailors except for us two old blokes, Bobby Wilmot and me,” says Carl Crafoord, a well-respected navigator.

He and Wilmot, a 1984 and 1988 Olympian, are trimming sails while 22 year-old Tom Slingsby, the newly announced Laser world champion, is calling tactics. Sixteen year-old Josh McNight is having his first big-boat and offshore experience, doing mast duties on the boat.

“This is my first real experience on offshore courses and it’s great fun,” said McNight who finished runner-up at the Flying 11 Nationals. This crew is keen for the win with owner Nettis promising should they win the car, it will go to one of the crew in a lucky dip draw.

Racing got away on time just after 12.00pm today in a light 5-7 knot southerly breeze on various parts of the Harbour; although the IRC division yachts sailed on a big swell on the Macquarie Circle off South Head.

Those keenest to get racing in were the Adams 10, Sydney 32 and Sports Boat Divisions after only sailing one race yesterday. Keen to get off the line, there were a number of individual recalls and there will be a few disappointed faces this afternoon, as some of those recalled did not realise and will find themselves disqualified, whilst others duly took their penalty turns.

Just six Sydney 32 One Design’s are racing, but their start was particularly testosterone fuelled. Piling up at the pin end of the line, there was lots of yelling and Wirrajurnd (Andy Kearnan) was pushed over the line early. Although Kearnan and crew lost valuable time, they made good time to the top mark to be third around in a very close rounding between the top three. The remaining three also tussled around the top mark and the hot competition continued around the rest of the course.

Out on the Etchells and Dragon’s course mid Harbour, the Etchells were on the receiving end of a surprise. As they crossed the line to start the second race of the day, the Dragons came down under spinnaker to finish! Despite sailing opposing courses, all managed to surprisingly stay out of each other’s way without too much angst.

Moving further up the Harbour, a huge group of PHS yachts were vying for pole position to the windward mark in Rose Bay. Bringing up rear was Charles Curran’s Sydney 60, Sydney, sporting a completely shredded main – her regatta over.

Out on the Dragon Course, Wolf Breit had the game sewn up sailing under spinnaker to the finish line with a sizeable lead over Martin Burke’s Riga and Anthony Armstrong’s Wizzardry.

Shortly after 2.30pm the wind veered south-east and lifted to around 8-10 knots making for a beautiful display on Sydney Harbour and just after 4.00pm it had increased further.

At 4.30pm, the record 267 fleet was still on the water, the various finishes not too far away.

We will bring you the winners once all are ashore and results completed.

Full results, photos http://www.sydneyharbourregatta.com/