Cherana still leads Brisbane to Gizo fleet on handicap.

by Rob Kothe on 7 Jun 2001 After 3 days of heavy SE trade winds, which gusted to 40 knots, the fleet is enjoying easing conditions. This morning, Sorbent Helsal II reported 15-17 knots easterly with moderating seas. Unfortunately, lighter winds means slower boats

Earlier predictions were that the big sloop would arrive on dusk into Gizo Harbour, but skipper, Bill Rawson, is now likely to be accepting a carton of Solbrew courtesy of the Gizo Explorer Hotel from the finish line boat around midnight.

In racing division, the 1959 Sydney to Hobart winner, Cherana, is set to take a historic victory. Second is Graham Smith’s Take Time, the smallest boat in the fleet, 20miles behind the division leader. Mike Thurston’s Drina, is coming 3rd, and should arrive in Gizo on Saturday noon.

On Top, now 286 miles south of Gizo, is abeam of Indispensible Reefs. She is expected to arrive late Friday evening. Overdraft is 130miles further back, with Bushranger, 3rd in the division another 70 miles behind.

Traditionally, in this race there are prizes for the largest fish caught during the long passage from Brisbane, but this year, the fleet has had its hands full with bumpy confused seas and strong winds, and it is only likely to be as the boats approach the calmer waters of the Western Solomons, that they will be able to put a trolling line out.

After the tiring passage, the Skippers are starting to make radio enquiries about accommodation, diving fishing and sightseeing.
The race control has put a chart on the wall in the forecourt of the Gizo Explorer hotel showing race positions, and there is a steady flow of interested locals milling around ready to welcome the arriving fleet.

The Prime Minister the Right Honourable Manasseh Sogavare is planning to be in Gizo for the annual Vaka Tepe week commencing with the yacht presentation ceremony. An event popular with the visiting sailors and locals is the sail past in which school children are invited on the yachts with as many as 80 children, laughing and singing, on each boat.

Then will follow the custom Queen and Chief competition on Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning will see a street fair followed by dugout canoe races, a fishing competition and coconut scraping competition. That evening, school children are encouraged to enter the speech contest. On Wednesday morning the street fair continues with a greasy pole and tug-of -war, live bands and prize giving.