Trophy Passage Series 2012 – Lahana squeaks past Ichi Ban in Race 2

by Di Pearson on 16 Dec 2012 The second race of the CYCA Trophy Passage series finished in a swashbuckling fashion as Lahana gathered just enough breeze to sneak past a much smaller Ichi Ban for line honours on Sydney Harbour.

Peter Millard and John Honan’s 100 footer Lahana has pipped Matt Allen's 70 footer Ichi Ban for line honours in Race 2 of the CYCA Trophy Passage series today, despite the smaller Ichi Ban leaving the rest of the 23 boats in her wake when the weak and patchy north-easterly breeze had its fun with the fleet.

Making it two out of two after taking the double yesterday, Lahana got the better of Ichi Ban within metres of the line when the Jones 70 was forced to gybe to make the finish line.

Just 21 seconds separated the two when Millard steered his 98 footer over the line at 1.31.41pm, in what Principal Race Officer, Robin Morton, called 'the most exciting finish I’ve seen – it was that close – I thought Ichi Ban had it till they gybed.'

Matt Allen and his crew had their little bit of luck too. The closest to the pin end at the start, they looked likely to cross the line too early, but were able to run the line towards the west shore with no impediment. It proved to be their lucky break, as they picked their way through every little bit of breeze available on the western shore, while the bulk of the fleet had to play stop start all the way to Sydney Heads where the nor’ easter had begun to slowly fill in.

Meanwhile, Lahana, along with two thirds of the fleet, was languishing on the eastern side of the Harbour when the breeze line faded as Millard tacked and drove towards it.

This final race of the CYCA Trophy – Passage series started at 11.00am. At the time of Lahana and Ichi Ban finishing, there were still five or so boats on their way to the mark off Long Cruising Yacht Club of Australia