Indonesia Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally - update

by Marina Valmadre on 6 May 2013 In the face of an approaching frontal system and heavy weather, five of the yachts competing in the Rally Division of the Wonderful Indonesia Fremantle to Bali Race & Rally have opted to seek shelter in Geraldton until it blows over.

Veteran yachtsman Andrew Dawson experienced electrical problems that affected his yacht’s navigation lights during the first night of the event, and decided to head for Geraldton to have the issue rectified professionally. The delay would place his yacht Knot Dreaming in the path of the heavy weather, so the skipper decided to wait it out before returning to sea.

Barry O’Toole’s Heritage and Terry Chapman’s Mooney are also moored at the Batavia Coast Marina and are having electrical faults rectified. Dawson expected that they, too, will now wait out the approaching weather system.

Odyssey of Fremantle and Tiga have just arrived at the mid-west town and it is anticipated that they, will join the other three before continuing in the event.

While Super Sled slowed to a crawl in the doldrums, the chasing pack is consolidating their position. General Lee has slipped by Walk on the Wild Side near Steep Point to regain her lead in the IRC division, while Brian de Vries’ Steel de Breeze continues to improve and now leads the PHS handicap division.

All these yachts expect to be north of the worst of the weather system when the front passes through on Tuesday.