Triple Vision sets pace-Johns Sails Trophy Series

by Ian Grant on 17 Oct 2006 Vicky Applegate has set the pace on Pioneer Bay helming her trimaran Triple Vision to a three point lead, after two races of the Johns Sails Trophy Series over the Whitsunday Sailing Club courses.

Applegate loves a challenge and has handed her male rivals a taunting 'catch me if you can' chase for the trophy and for the more important, club championship points.

The attractive blonde skipper, who has adapted to sailing Triple Vision to her handicap rating in a mixed range of winds, had to settle for third place when Graham Matthews steered Brandy Creek Ferry to a 2 minute 55 second win over Peter Millar’s Spud Gun, in a torrid 18 knot sea breeze.

As expected there were a number of fast blasts on the reaching legs of the course which overpowered Triple Vision, but Applegate and her crew understood the value of hanging on to finish and maintain control of the points table with a 1-3 score, while Spud Gun 5-2 and Brandy Creek Ferry 10-1, hold the minor places heading into this week's crucial third race.

Kevin Fogarty again showed his preference for moderate to fresh winds, when he steered Idle Time into a comfortable win in the Division 2 mono class series.

Idle Time invariably produces her best results in the stronger wind range and she again set an unmatched handicap rated speed to claim a decisive 2 minute 43 second win over Shannon Hart in Mustard Cutter, while first heat winner Craig Piccinelli kept his trophy chances alive by claiming third place with Wobbly Boot.

Skipper Fogarty will need a similar forecast later this week to maintain control of the match race and his one point lead over the Wobbly Boot crew.

There is little doubt that Lachie Wilson has a good tactical understanding of racing on Pioneer Bay after he steered his Clansman class sloop Felicity to a narrow two second win over Saphire (Julian Booker), to maintain a perfect 1-1 score in the battle for the Division 3 class trophy.

Wilson has been in good form since winning the Airlie Beach Race Week ‘Cruising in Whites’ title in August, however he had to produce another of his clever tactical races to claim the win over the consistent Julian Booker in Saphire, while John Hudson’s Lady Hawke was only another 12 seconds away in third place.

The wily skipper Wilson and his Felicity crew have a commanding 5 point lead after two races and seem poised to add another trophy to what has been a successful year, while Lady Hawke (4-3) 7 points and Serendipity (Stewart Key) 3-4 7 points, settle into a match race to resolve the minor places.