Philosopher’s Club wins Audi IRC Australian crown

by Lisa Ratcliff on 2 Sep 2008 When the skipper of The Philosopher’s Club, Peter Sorensen, arrived in Geelong, Victoria in January 2008 to contest the opening event of the Audi IRC Australian Championship, he took one look at the Audi Q7 on display and announced to his crew that the car was going to be his.

The fourth and final event of the national series, the Silver Jubilee Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, finished Saturday and when the final results were tallied, Sorensen’s ambition had been realised.

At the official prize giving dinner for the 25th anniversary of Australia’s most awarded keel boat regatta, Audi’s managing director Joerg Hofmann announced the Audi IRC Australian Champions for 2008, handing Sorensen the keys to his brand new Audi Q7.

'Less than one point divided the winner from second place. This kind of down-to-the-wire excitement makes for a great championship series,' Audi’s Joerg Hofmann said.

'The Philosopher’s Club fought hard, and won. Congratulations.'

Late last year Sorensen dipped into his superannuation to buy the Sydney 36CR. He told the audience at Saturday evening’s presentation, 'I cashed in my superannuation to buy the boat...the way the share market is going, this is much better.'

A two time world 18 foot skiff champion, offshore sailor and Adams 10 Australian champion, the Middle Harbour Yacht Club member has owned plenty of boats in his time, more than 30 at a quick count, but he always finished in the second half of the fleet on handicap.

After looking at a lot of different IRC boats, Sorensen settled on a Sydney 36CR - and it has exceeded all expectations.

In the opening round of the Audi IRC Australian Championship, Skandia Geelong Week in January, Sorensen won his division and repeated the result at the next event, Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta in March. In the Audi Sydney Gold Coast The Philosopher’s Club finished third in division and in the final round, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, they placed second in division.

Bob Steel’s TP52 Quest proved a fine competitor and in the end, less than a point separated first and second in the national championship pointscore with Audi Hamilton Island Race Week IRC Grand Prix Division 1 winner, Alan Whiteley’s Cougar II, third on the points table.

'I can attribute our consistency to the boat and my outstanding crew,' Sorensen said. 'They are all ex skiff sailors and all amateurs and I’d back them against the professional crews any day.

'I’m tired of my current car. It’s time I had a brand new car and I’m looking forward to driving the Q7.'