Konica Minolta with work to do in the 2004 Ingles Sydney to Southport race

by Rob Kothe on 31 Jul 2004 Early today New Zealand sailor Stewart Thwaites predicted that her Australian rival Skandia would be advantaged in the light conditions forecast for this 384-mile coastal race.

‘We are a water ballasted boat and the light conditions just do not suit us. Skandia with her canting keel and canard will sail away from us until the breeze lifts’

We are setting ourselves up for Hobart, we expect to be in top shape for that race, that is definitely the one we want to win.’

And so it was to be.. by the time she had cleared Sydney Heads, Skandia with her new canard in play, was an easy leader.. She was two minutes ahead of AAPT with Ichi Ban another minutes further back.

Brindabella sailed close to North Head was next about a minute ahead of Sting and About Time, with Ragamuffin joining the group.

Then came Konica Minolta at least five minutes behind her 98-foot rival Skandia.

Next around South Head was CYCA Commodore Martin James with his Infinity III, while Seriously Ten coming from the west was closing on North Head.

In a poll of the IRC Division A skipper’s this morning. Mat Allen’s Ichi Ban was the handicap favourite, even though the race was considered open.
Sail-world will be covering the race in detail with news, interviews and mid-race skeds.
The first radio sked is at 1805 this evening. Sail-world will have full sked report around 1900.

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