Sydney Yachts Powers to Audi Victory

by Martine Ballantyne on 10 Sep 2008
Sydney Yachts 36CR owner and skipper Peter Sorenson demonstrated the premium race lineage of the Sydney brand by snaring the hotly contested 2008 Audi IRC Australian Champion title with The Philosopher’s Club.

Having initially laid claim on the major IRC circuit prize in Geelong earlier this year, Sorensen ensured the consistent performance of The Philosophers Club throughout the series to achieve overall victory and win himself a brand new Audi Q7.

Admittedly due for a vehicle change, the exuberant skipper was presented the keys to the luxury seven-seater SUV by Audi’s Managing Director Joerg Hofmann at the official prize giving dinner in Hamilton Island. Suitably the Q7 motto ‘unprecedented power, uncompromising performance’ perfectly aligns to the attributes of the Sydney Yachts range.

In January Sorensen lead his division during the Skandia Geelong Week, the opening round of the Audi IRC Australian Championship. He continued his winning streak to achieve number one place in for an outstanding performance at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta two months later.

Unarguably the most consistent performer, The Philosopher’s Club finished third in its class during the Audi Sydney Gold Coast contest and second in the final Audi Hamilton Island Week round. However, it was a very narrow race to the podium in the end with The Philosopher’s Club defeating Bob Steele’s second placed TP52 Quest by less than one point.

A well respected sailor, Sorensen has achieved numerous accolades during his thirty years at sea including two 18 foot skiff world championships and the Adams 10 Australian Championship. A veteran yacht owner of roughly thirty vessels, Sorensen confirms he definitely selected the right race yacht. Exceeding all expectations, the Sydney 36’s IRC class competitive advantage and bonus resale potential contributed were major contributing factors for his decision.

The Middle Harbour Yacht Club member accepted delivery of his yacht under a year ago and looks set to continue his domination on the IRC circuit.