YW Diamond Saltash 11 sets hot pace against Hobart Champion

by Ian Grant on 14 Apr 2001 Saltash 11 a modified YW Diamond added another rung to the ladder of success in the Centenary of Federation Brisbane-Gladstone race today.

The former day class bay racer converted to contest offshore races seems poised to add another major trophy to the trophy locker of her owners Bill and Ian Wright.

This small ocean racer that offers little in crew comfort below deck was wave riding to another strong race result over the 308 nautical mile course.

Whenever the winds blow moderate to fresh from the South East and provide fast spinnaker surfing conditions then Saltash 11 with her capacity to wave ride for long periods always saves her handicap against the best competion.

Principal helmsman Ian Wright his brother Bill, navigator Peter Cavill and Tony Reik have the value of sailing numerous fast miles on the little boat and this was again reflected in her performance on the course.

They were still at sea late today but her consistent hull speed over 31 hours of racing gave her a great chance to beat the Sydney Hobart champion SAP Ausmaid (Roger Hickman) and Bob Robertson's Eureka for the IMS class trophy.