Torment for variable winds continue for Coral Sea race fleet

by Ian Grant on 9 May 2001 The Air Niugini International Coral Sea Classic yacht race feet faced another tormenting wind change as they approached the Papua New Guinea coast this afternoon.

Chances to ride the normal south east spinnaker sailing trade winds fell away as the breeze bent to the east slowing all but the free sailing catamaran Saloon Bar.

Owner skipper John Davies from the Gold Coast and his principal helmsman Gerry Fitzgerald made full use of the wind change to join API Midnight in a dash to secure the overall race line honours as they fixed a compass bearing on Basilisk Passage and the entrance to Fairfax Harbour.

Saloon Bar a Gary Lidgard designed catamaran was making amends for a dismasting in the same race two years ago to be just six miles behind API Midnight as both yachts entered the final 90 miles of the 455 n/ml race.

Race Director Tamzin Wardley and Royal Papua Yacht Club officials expect the wind velocity and sailing angle to suit Saloon Bar but the API Midnight crew who have led the race from the start in Trinity Inlet Cairns on Monday are not about to give up without a fight.

API Midnight disadvantaged with the wind shift remained as the clear leader in the monohull class.

She was reported to be logging good speed in reaching winds as the eastly breeze started to fade this afternoon.

However the wind change may be a good omen for the API Midnight crew who presently need some luck with the weather to win the race on corrected handicap.

At the fleet radio report earlier today the steel Royal Papua Yacht Club ketch Cariolis 11 steered by Steve Woodcock held the provisional handicap lead from API Midnight and Racketeer (Andrew Thompson).

Cariolis 11 had over 205 n/mls to race and her winning hopes rested entirely with the prevailing winds.

There was a strong possibility of sailing into lighter winds later tonight and tomorrow, which means she will ‘burn off’ some of her time as the race result swings in favour of API Midnight and the consistent Racketeer.