Trans-Tasman rivalry at Airlie Beach Race Week

by Ian Grant on 26 May 2008
Another chapter will be written into the exciting history of Trans-Tasman sporting rivalry when the Whitsunday Sailing Club hosts the 2008 Meridien Marinas Race Week regatta from August 14-21.

Champion New Zealand yachtsman Anotole Masfen is returning to contest the popular international regatta with the Mick Cookson designed Pussy Galore, for a boat on boat match race against former Airlie Beach Race Week IRC champion Ray Roberts, helming the 2008 Brisbane to Gladstone champion Quantum Racing.

Both yachts are identically designed sister-sloops to the Irish yacht Chieftan which convincingly outclassed a strong fleet to win the physically demanding Fastnet Race in the storm tormented North Sea.

The Quantum Racing crew had the edge over the Pussy Galore combination when they won the 2006 title off Airlie Beach, however recent news from across the Tasman suggests skipper Ray Roberts and his World 11 metre championship winning tactician Steve McConaghy will need to bring their best tactical racing strategy to Airlie Beach later this year.

Sure the Kiwi crew are confident but that is their nature when they enter into a sporting contest under the proud history of their National flag.

They will again prove to be a formidable representative when the battle lines are drawn for the 2008 title series on the warm tropical water of the Whitsunday Passage.

The winter racing environment will understandably be warm and pleasant but the Pussy Galore crew can expect the usual cool reception when they line up to against a very competitive fleet of Australian ocean racing crews headed by their match racing rival Quantum Racing.

This New Zealand versus Australia clash promises to be a highlight in the duel to win the prestigious IRC championship trophy but the Pussy Galore and Quantum Racing crews will have to produce a high level of consistent all angle boat speed for the canting-keel Cookson 50’s to dominate against a very competitive fleet.

Talented Victorian skipper Chris Dare has entered his Corby 49 Flirt while Sydney helmsman Bernie Vanthof compliments what promises to be a very interesting series with the entry of his classic Swan 45 Tulip.

The standard of the early entries representing New Zealand, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland suggest the popular Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week will create another multi-million dollar cash flow when an expected fleet of 80 yachts along with their crews and supporters duel for the honour of winning the 2008 class championship trophies.

For more information on Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week go to: http://www.airliebeachraceweek.com.au/