IOR Farr 40 Battle in Hobart IMS Div. 2

by News Editor on 25 Dec 2000 There are three of the Bruce Farr designed IOR Farr 40’s which dominated the major race corrected time trophies through the mid-eighties, in the IMS Division 2.

Aurora, Simply Red and Sagacious 5.

Aurora, previously named Witchcraft II and Canon Copier has won her share of races including the Sydney-Southport and Brisbane-Gladstone Classics. She has been twice placed second in this division in the Sydney to Hobart, with her previous owner Rob Kothe in 1997, behind Geoff Ross’s last Yendys and again with 13 Hobart Race veteran Jim Holley in 1998.

The IOR 40 Simply Red, previously raced as Queensland Maid has the destinction of placing third in one of her seven races to Hobart. This result achieved 9 years ago under the IOR rule has set the benchmark for new owner Chris Bradbury and crew.

There is an excellent blend of long race experience in the crew with Trans Atlantic yachtsman Andrew Prossin and Melbourne-Osaka marathon sailor Tony Warren supporting skipper Bradbury to gain his career best result in his second race south.

Ten years between drinks may be a long time but the new crew of the former Gary Appleby Hobart Race winner Sagacious 5 are prepared to be patient.

A previous first in division in the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster has encouraged skipper Ian Paterson and his Royal Brighton Yacht Club crew to try their hand on a course which Sagacious 5 dominated 10 years ago as the last and fastest of the IOR Farr 40’s .

In the end, the result of this min-race may depend on timing. Aurora has always been one of the best rated IOR Farr 40'’ under IMS, while Sagacious is certainly the fastest. Watch the clock to see the time Sagacious, Simply Red and Aurora enter the Derwent