XLR8 beats Skandia out of Sydney Heads

by Rob Kothe on 29 Jul 2006 Graeme Troon’s 46 Reich Pugh XLR8 stole the start in the 469 mile Sydney Mooloolaba race this afternoon.

At the gun, she started fast on the eastern shore but was soon overtaken by Grant Wharington’s 98 footer Skandia.

Mid-line, Ray Roberts Quantum Racing, the DK 46, had a good break on the bulk of the fleet but the breeze on the left softened and the super maxi Skandia was suddenly ‘sticky.’ XLR8 used the change to her advantage and was able to heat up and cross ahead of her fellow Victorian. By the red Gas buoy Skandia had come back and was again in the lead.

Troon jybed towards South Head into pressure and was first out of the Heads, while Skandia kept sailing towards Manly with her blue spinnaker softened.

Once the leaders left the Heads however, Skandia soon escaped and gaped XLR8 by 500 metres in only a few minutes.

Meanwhile Quantum Racing sailed up towards XLR8, with Michael Hyatt’s Living Doll another 400 metres behind.

Further back was Sailing Services Beneteau 47.7, Kioni. Well placed in the bulk of the fleet was Mr Beaks Ribs, the Beneteau 44.7, with recently returned World 11 metre Champion Michael Spies behind the wheel.

Kioni jybed towards North Head and Quantum Racing and Living Doll covered.

Skandia was soon a spec on the horizon and was gone. XLR8 was most seaward second, outside Quantum Racing with her spinnaker pole just off the forestay, then Living Doll followed by Syd Fischer's Ragamuffin closest to North Head.

Behind them was Rob Reynold's Pla Loma, Andrew Buckland and Andrew Hunn's Mr Kite, followed by Chris Dare's Corby 49 Flirt, ahead of David Beaks' Mr Beak's Ribs. Next came the Ed Psaltis' Farr 40 AFR Midnight Rambler, Bill Wild's Welbourn 42 Wedgetail and Anthony Patterson's flyer, the Mumm 30 Tow Truck.

The last boats out of the Heads were the Davidson 42 Phillip's Foote Witchdoctor(Rum Consortium)and Plus 16 (Farr 11.6, Sal Ridulfo).

The fleet in now settling down to an afternoon's racing in a softening eight knot westerly, and navigation and tactics will be all important as the fleet vyes for the best positioning ahead of tonight's sailing.

Sail-World will keep your up to date throughout the race.