Melbourne Hobart Afternoon Update

by Jennifer McGuigan on 29 Dec 2007 The Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart race has now become two races in one.

After parking up last night on the north east coast of Tasmania, requiring some cunning rock hopping in the dark, the larger end of the fleet reached Banks Strait early this morning to be greeted by strong north westerly winds and a glorious ride through the strait.

The smaller end of the fleet was left to wallow in continuing light breezes and dragging currents.

With spinnakers flying the top end of the fleet has enjoyed a glorious ride so far on the east coast.

Ocean Skins skippered by Tony Fowler slipped ahead of the DK 46s dekadence and eXtasea but the lead was fine and short lived.

They report that the lead has been swapping continually during the last six hours.

Reporting from just off Binalong Bay, five miles north of St Helens, a blanket would cover the lead boats of eXtasea, dekadence, Ice Fire, Varta Spirit of Downunder, Corelink Creative In Tension and Ocean Skins.

The change will suit the DK46s eXtasea and dekadence as they continue their close fought battle for Line Honours.

Geelong based Ocean Skins is preparing tactics now to counter the effects, aware that they need to stay in touch before the battle up the Derwent begins. They are however looking forward to some constant breezes assuming that the southerly will be less fluky than the northerly they are currently experiencing.

Peter Coleman skipper of Just a Minor Hickup is travelling three nms behind the lead group with Peregrine and Ninety Seven approximately two nms out to sea.

Crews are reporting fantastic racing but exhaustion is starting to set in. With racing that started on Boxing Day with the Entire Cock of the Bay race it has been a long trip involving intense tactical racing.

Add to that the fact that it is very hot with crews stripped down, an unusual situation on a Melbourne to Hobart race.

The smaller boats are having their own battles as they head for the north east corner of Tasmania. They will now have to deal with an adverse current and will round into the southerly change predicted around 4pm.

Nick McGuigan skipper of Marlo Magazan quipped ‘we will take any wind it’s better than none. At this rate we might have to start rationing or drawing straws for man overboard.’

Malcolm Mohr driving the luxury yacht Independent Endeavour, a Swan 65, informed race management that they are retiring to Beauty Point. A nasty rumour is circulating that the champagne fridge was empty or the plasma television was broken.