IRC Cruising win for Spies

by Di Pearson on 20 Aug 2005 Michael Spies sailing his newly sponsored Beneteau 44.7, Dimension Polyant (NSW), took the first race of the IRC Cruising class under handicap at Hamilton Island this afternoon.

Sailing in light 8-13 knot winds, Spies, sailing with a ‘last minute’ crew aboard his Sydney-Hobart racing winning yacht, beat Ian Box’s X442, Toy Box (NSW) by nearly four minutes on corrected time, with Warwick Sherman’s Cookson 12, Occasional Coarse Language (NSW) third overall in the Hahn Premium Race Week opening 30 nautical mile Lindeman Island Race.

Spies was happy to win the first race of the series. ‘Yes, we had to make a quick decision to bring the boat up and I’m glad we did. We had a good day out there today. ‘

Sailing with Spies is well known Coffs Harbour sailor Steve Benson, a former 18ft skiff crew mate of Spies who now sails on 18 footer Sirromet Wines, who have also thrown some sponsorship Spies’ way.

‘We are lucky to have our sponsors – Dimension Polyant have exclusively supplied us with sail cloth right through from Rolex Sydney-Hobart, Sailing South Week and Skandia Geelong Week. Our support from Sirromet Wines will lead to a strategic alliance between sailing and the US super car website. Paul Sirromet is a top driver and son of Terry from the Paul Morris super car team,’ Spies said.

The Lindeman Island race was a difficult one, due to light conditions against a strong current where tactics and navigational skill played a major role today.

The IRC Cruising class continues racing tomorrow with the 60 nautical mile Edward Island race.

Provisional top ten results:

1. Dimension Polyant (Michael Spies)

2. Toy Box (Ian Box)

3. Occasional Coarse Language (Warwick Sherman)

4. Savages Wharf (Bond, Savage & Robertson)

5. Quiver (Doug Coulter)

6. Vapour Trail (Shane La Peyre/Albert Doggett

7. Balance (Paul Clitheroe)

8. Fathom (Robert Humphris)

9. Grizzly Adams (Roger Hart)

10. Mango Madness (Bo Wharton)