Stage Set for Strathfield Pittwater to Coffs Race

by Rob Kothe on 2 Jan 2004 A brilliant summer morning on the Pittwater, as some crews from the 68 boat fleet have a rum and coke 'steadier' before embarking on the motor from the RPAYC up to the Barrenjoey startline.

Its going to be tough for the tacticians, with Bureau of Meterology forecaster Brent Gage confirming the north easterly sea breezes will provide the fleet with bouncy upwind conditions this afternoon, with light inshore conditions and the only pressure being offshore where boats will have to fight current.

Ludde Ingvall's Nicorette is keen to show last year's winner Wild Oats the way north and the large Sydney 38 fleet is expected to jostle at the start.

Strathfield Car Radio's managing director John Winstanley will fire the cannon from the deck of the naval minesweeper HMAS Yarra for the 1pm start to the 224 mile race.