2014 SOHO Lawyers Victorian Contender Titles - Andrea Bonezzi wins
by Simon Dubbin on 2 May 2014
Tony Nash,Andrea Bonezzi and Mark Bulka - 2014 Vic titles Simon Dubbin
The 2014 SOHO Lawyers Victorian Contender Titles were held over two contrasting weekends due to only two races being able to be completed on the first weekend at McCrae Yacht Club. It was great to see the fleet of 24 out on the water on a warm ,sunny Autumn day with a gentle five – ten knot breeze. With current World Champ, Mark Bulka competing and another multiple World Champ in Andrea Bonezzi the 2014 title was up for grabs.
With the light breeze brought a very competitive and close two races with locals Dan Kohlman and Tony Nash mixing it at the pointy end of the fleet, to such that there was a three way tie heading into the second day of sailing scheduled for three weeks later.
In stark contrast to the first day of racing the competitors were greeted with 22-32 knots of breeze coupled with waves of 1-2 m, he who took on mother nature would be holding the winners cup aloft! at the end of the day.
For those who have sailed the Bob Miller (aka Ben Lexcen) designed boat the conditions were akin to riding a 'wild bull'.
Andrea Bonezzi was well at home in these condition taking two firsts with Mark Bulka behind, Tony Nash completed the podium places with the World Titles coming back to Melbourne in 2018 the Victorian fleet is set for growth again.
