| Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race reaches new heights |
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At the close of entries, thirty yachts have entered the Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race – the largest fleet assembled for this race. The 213 nautical mile category 2 race starts at 12 noon on Friday 19 March from a start line just off Steele Point. The fleet then makes its way north to a laid mark around 20 nautical miles east of Crowdy Head before the yachts head for Newcastle and the finish in the Hunter River. 'This race keeps getting better and better. The fleet size has increased 25% on last year and with only four points separating the top five yachts in the Blue Water Pointscore, it will be an exciting race to follow,' said Rear Commodore and Chairman of the Sailing Committee Garry Linacre. Last year’s race record of 15 hrs, 57 mins and 53 seconds set by the line and handicap winner Loki, owned by Stephen Ainsworth, looks set to be challenged with the largest yacht in the fleet, Bob Oatley’s 100ft Reichel/Pugh designed Wild Oats XI, out to claim line honours. Dr Dennis Cooper’s Sydney 36CR Amante is the smallest yacht in the fleet at 10.97 metres and is looking to improve on last year’s second place in division 3 to claim a divisional win. Six yachts have entered with valid ORCi rating certificates and the organising authority for the race, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, will run an ORCi division in conjunction with IRC and PHS divisions. The overall winner of the race will be declared using IRC. The battle for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Blue Water Pointscore will conclude with this race. Only four points separate the top five yachts which include the TP52s Ragamuffin (Syd Fischer) and Quest (Bob Steel), Ed Psaltis & Bob Thomas’ modified Farr 40 AFR Midnight Rambler, Geoff Ross’ RP55 Yendys and Loki, all sailing under the CYCA burgee. Two yachts represent the race finishing partner, Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club - Kym Butler’s Northshore 37 One For the Road and Phil Arnall’s Beneteau 40.7 Anger Management. Butler was named the CYCA Ocean Racing Rookie of the Year 2008 and has raced in every Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race with his best result a third in IRC Division 3 last year. Arnall’s Anger Management finished first in IRC division 3 in the inaugural race in 2008. For a list of yachts entered in the Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race and to follow the fleet’s progress via Yacht Tracker from the noon start, go to the official race site http://sydneynewcastle.cyca.com.au
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