The little red boat that could

by Rob Kothe on 3 Jan 2005 The 2005 Strathfield Pittwater Coffs Race is already in the record books, a new race track, a new course record and it was the first Australian long race win for the new Wild Oats.

More importantly was that the original weather bureau forecast was so delightfully awry. Instead of a frustrating first 24 hours of ebbing and flowing winds, there was a solid 12 hours of booming southerlies, which lightened off, but not until they delivered most the boats most of the way to Coffs.

But perhaps almost as remarkable as the weather has been, the performance of the little red boat, The Cone of Silence.

James Neill’s 31 footer is a Reichel-Pugh downwind flier, built purely for speed and to hell with any handicapping system.

This lightweight flying machine, with her extended bowsprit and giant asymmetric, has an enormous sail area, in fact an incredible power to weight ratio.

Last night she accelerated north, growing at least 25 feet. She must have, because she finished ahead of the 56 footer Future Shock

The aim of the all Pittwater crew was to be the first boat under 50 foot to reach Coffs Harbour, today as they crossed the finish only two hours after Targe, they were the first boat under 60 foot.

There will be a few beers at the Yacht Club Bar tonight.

To see the full race sked as at 1705 click on www.rpayc.com.au and go to the Strathfield Pittwater to Coffs race and Positions.

Or go to http://www.sail-world.com/coffs2005/index.cfm?SRSID=69