Rolex Sydney Hobart hopeful t-boned in first race

by Lisa Ratcliff on 8 Dec 2007 Rolex Sydney Hobart hopeful Scarlet Runner from Melbourne was today t-boned in the Sydney 38’s first race of the Rolex Trophy One Design Series.

Scarlet Runner was sailing to the first mark in the first race today when they tacked onto starboard. With their sails filled and at full speed, there was the terrible sound of fibreglass crunching as the Sydney 38 X3 hit their port side approximately two metres from the stern. No one was injured in the collision.

'The first question we asked ourselves was ‘can we keep racing’ and once we looked at the damage we then had to ask ‘can we make it back to the club,' said a down but not out skipper Rob Date this afternoon.

With the 500mm x 600mm hole above the waterline, the crew of Scarlet Runner was able to quickly lower their sails and head back to the CYCA marina without any salt water entering the boat.

'We are trying to figure out how we are going to fix it in two weeks,' said Date, who first lodged a protest at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia before unsuccessfully trying to make contact with a boat builder who can repair the damage – quickly.

'We are not sure whether the damage is structural or just major cosmetic, we obviously hope it’s not structural.

'While we are waiting for repairs we will thoroughly prepare the boat for the Rolex Sydney Hobart…stocking the food and going through the safety gear,' an optimistic Date added.

On the up side, the crew of Scarlet Runner, which is based at Sandringham Yacht Club, are in great shape after dieting for a month for this series. When they realised they had to weigh in for Rolex Trophy One Design series, the crew began shedding the kilos to meet the crew weight limit.

'At least we are in good shape,' said Chris Till who was looking forward to eating without a conscience at tonight’s hastily scheduled crew dinner.

With a second and a first in the first two races, sailed in a 10 knot sou’east breeze off Sydney Heads, the Sydney 38 pointscore has Tony Wallis’ Acuity leading Alan Brierty’s Limit which scored a 1st and a third.

The Sydney 38s and Farr 40s are currently sailing their third and final race for the day.

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