Fusion Round White Island Race 2008

by Tash Paget, Royal Akarana YC on 1 Dec 2008
This year’s Fusion Round White Island Race gave the crews a bit of everything. First away was our only JOG Division boat, the 25ft Reactor ‘Wishbone’ skipper by Trish Lewis and crewed by Phil Scott at 0900hrs on Thursday morning.

The Corinthian Division followed at 1935hours in similar conditions, a nice run to Channel Island with kites up. The Premier Division set off at 1835hours on Friday night, not quite lucky enough to have a downwind start.

The weather at Colville then handed out 25 odd knots on the wind, messy seas and lots of stories of seasick crew and skippers through the night. However those who managed to sleep awoke to near perfect sailing conditions on both Saturday and Sunday – apart from a light patch Sunday morning.

'Self reflection time' were the words Bob McDavitt used to describe it at the Briefing and it was all dependant on where you were, for some it only lasted 1 hour, but for others it was 5 or 6 more frustrating ones. Unfortunately for some, Monday morning at work meant a hard call to pull out and not put their chances in the weather gods. But the others, who hung in there were rewarded with breeze once again.

First over the line on Sunday morning at 1052hours was Sunstone, skippered by Tom and Vicky Jackson. They also took out the prestigious IRC and Shorthanded Titles. Four hours later and still scratching their heads as to how Sunstone got such a leap on them was Open Country and Waikiwi II not far behind.

V5 crossed the line at 1636hours, with an elapsed time of 46 hours, 1 minute and 59 seconds to take Overall Line Honours for the 2008 race. There was a close battle between Ragtime and Ran Tan II, with Ragtime heading home from Rangi Light and Ran Tan through the Motuihe Channel. Ragtime crossed the line 3 minutes ahead, which is pretty close after a 320nm race. Starlight Express was close enough behind (44minutes) to take the Overall PHRF title.

Wishbone did themselves proud finishing only 22 minutes after Starlight Express at 1830hours, and Mako II not too far in front of them either.

Prize Giving will be held this Friday 05 December at 2000hours. All are welcome