Melbourne Hobart wet weather gear time

by Ocean Racing Club of Victoria on 30 Dec 2007 The front of the fleet had enjoyed north north westerlies gusting up to 25 knots early in the day before the southerly change came through at 2.30pm. Crews that had been enjoying the unusually warm conditions donned thermals and wet weather gear as the chill from the Antarctic took hold.

The ‘on the nose' conditions were always going to play well for the DK 46s. eXtasea and Decadence and eXtasea immediately moved to the east, positioning to take advantage of the moderating and shifting breeze. They now lead the fleet from a position just off Wineglass Bay. In south south easterlies of 18 to 20 knots. Andrews comments that ‘they took off like a rocket when that change came through.'

At tonight's sked eXtasea was informed that they had indeed taken out the double in the Kidder Williams Melbourne to Launceston race. Not just the Line Honours win but also the IRC handicap win, giving them the Centenary Rudder Cup.

eXtasea can not afford to relax, with just a four nm gap to both Alex - Team MacAdie and Ice Fire.

Only one nautical mile behind hanging on to contention are Dekadence, Ocean Skins and Ninety Seven.

Ocean Skins Paul Andrews describes the day ‘some of the most amazing sailing I have done. The lead was constantly changing amongst the lead group of six boats.The best ocean racing I have had.To be so close together after all this time is very unusual.'

Andrews spoke with respect of the efforts of Alex - Team MacAdie, the Sandringham based yacht that is being sailed double handed by father and son team Jock and Hamish MacAdie who would be feeling the hours more than the fully crewed opposition.

Andrews commented, ‘I have huge admiration for those guys. We watched them blow out two kites today and yet when they crossed us a while ago they looked incredibly relaxed.'

With just 40 nms to the entrance of Maria Island the front of the fleet will traverse the Mercury Passage in darkness.

From there they have another 40 nms to the turn at Tasman Island where with the wind behind them they will have a fast reach across to the Iron Pot before the always tricky run up the Derwent River.

Peregrine retired tonight with mainsail damage and is heading for Port Arthur. She joins Aus Spray, Independent Endeavour and The Bookmaker as retirements.