Lipton Cup 2014 - Ikon wins
by Bernie Kaaks on 17 Nov 2014
Ikon's spinnaker work was clean all weekend. - Lipton Cup Regatta 2014 Bernie Kaaks
An emotional Bruce McCracken heaped praise on his crew after winning the 2014 Lipton Cup in the Beneteau First 45 Ikon yesterday. 'We’ve been trying to win this trophy for years,' he said at the presentation, 'and it’s great to finally get our hands on it.' Representing the Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, Ikon gave a wonderfully consistent performance in a variety of conditions to finish the four race series on seven points, three points clear of Mike Welsh’s Wicked.
There were several hard luck stories in the fourth and final race. Heavy rain fell early in the day but cleared just before start time, leaving confused and lumpy seas, particularly as the breeze faded. The strong winds forecast failed to materialise.
Scarlet Runner broke right away from the Division A fleet and looked to have the race won, when a problem at the gooseneck left her sailing to windward under just a headsail, the main flogging uselessly for some 20 minutes while the crew effected repairs.
The 12 metre Kookaburra was forced to retire in the latter stages of the race with a jammed spinnaker halyard. The boat was travelling at speed and rapidly running out of searoom.
Organisers at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria were delighted with the strong entry list. Not only was the 165 boat fleet one of the strongest they have seen, but more importantly, entries came from a much wider range of clubs than usual, which augurs well for the future of this iconic event. It was also notable for the return of a Classic Division, graced by the high tech yachts of yesteryear.
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