Strong Ullman Sails presence at Audi Victoria Week

by Tony Bull on 9 Jan 2010
Audi Victoria Race Week is one of the biggest regattas down under, hosted in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay. With over 400 boats split over multiple fleets, it is believed to be the largest regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

It is preceded by the Audi Docklands Invitational on the 21st and 22nd of January.

This, as the name implies, is where the top 10 grand prix IRC racers in Australia are invited to compete. A similar format applies to the production IRC division where 10 well-performed boats are invited.

Immediately following the Docklands regatta, the fleet swells for Audi Victoria Week as all the classes participate in the traditional passage race to Geelong. This is followed by three days of racing in the waters of Corio Bay. The whole town gets behind the event and there are many highlights as the whole foreshore comes alive.

On Rob Hanna's recently purchased TP52 'Shogun', Dave Ullman will be joining Ullman Sails' Tony Bull and Sam Haines to provide a strong line-up on the water. Following a strong result in the Sydney Hobart and with some new Ullman sails in the wardrobe, 'Shogun' is hopeful of continuing her success in this regatta.

Of the myriad of classes involved, Ullman Sails will be taking a strong interest in the Sydney 38 class. This is a very competitive and growing fleet in Victoria. Sam Haines has been very active in working with this fleet and has had particular success with Greg Clinnick's ' Audacious' with whom he has been closely involved in a tutoring role as well as supplying excellent sails. 'Audacious' is seen to be the big improver over the last year.

So if you are participating in Audi Victoria Race Week and come across the Ullman Team, feel free to stop and have a chat – they are always keen to talk sailing. You can also catch up with Dave at the Legends breakfast on the 22nd where he is a guest of honour. www.victoriaweek.com.au