Audi Winter Series R1 a tough Race 1 on the water

by Jennifer Crooks on 13 Apr 2008 The number or date 13 turned out to be lucky for some and unlucky for others! With 15-20 knots southerly gusts of wind, the Audi Winter Series 2008 fleet of over 140 yachts took to the water. The Audi Winter Series consists of 14 pointscore races for eight spinnaker, two non-spinnaker and a Sydney 38OD division. The unlucky member of the fleet was Outrage, a Duncanson 8, who lost her keel near Steele Point and capsized. All crew members were returned to shore – unscathed but a little damp and Outrage was eventually righted and towed back to the marina.

As racing got underway, the dark clouds were circling but as the start signal was heard, the sun was shining. Halfway through the race, a short but heavy downpour struck drenching the fleet.

'We are finally experiencing some strong sailing conditions for the Audi Winter Series unlike the light weather the fleet experienced in 2007. Today's weather conditions brought up some challenges not only for competitors but for the race officials assisting with the rescue of Outrage. We would also like to thank NSW Maritime for their assistance in rescuing Outrage as well as Scott Finsten, CYCA Dockmaster who assisted from one of the club's rescue boats,' said Justine Kirkjian Sailing Manager, CYCA.

A fleet of 140 was on the start line today for race one of the 14 pointscore race series which runs every Sunday from 13 April until 13 July 2008.
Winners for Race 1 (by Division) were
Division A: You're Hired - 1st place, Ginger - 2nd; UBS Wild Thing 3rd
Division B: Revolution Edake 1st; Mahligai – 2nd; Playstation 3 – 3rd
Division C: Nerone – 1st; Online – 2nd; Solahart-Rum Jungle – 3rd
Division D: Mortgage Choice Rumba – 1st; Crusher – 2nd; Spearhead – 3rd
Division E: The Business – 1st; Ophir – 2nd; Balmain Tiger – 3rd
Division F: Salona – 1st; Perfect Match – 2nd; Sine Wave – 3rd
Division G: Kaos – 1st; Out of Sight – 2nd; Young Obsession – 3rd
Division H: Shemozzle – 1st; Umbakumba – 2nd; Race Lady – 3rd
Division J: Panacea – 1st; Inkonkoni – 2nd; Elusive – 3rd
Division K: Boswell – 1st; H P Farr Lap – 2nd; Spirit of Freya – 3rd
Sydney 38 Division: X3 – 1st; Rush – 2nd; The Tavern – 3rd


Full Race Results are available on http://www.cyca.com.au/editorial.asp?key=762