Images from the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge

by Crosbie Lorimer on 16 Dec 2008 The success of the Big Boat Challenge was secured in its early years by some spectacular Sydney summer weather; sun and strengthening sea breezes were a hallmark of those races. For some years now such characteristics have been conspicuously absent.

Until today, that is.

Superb sailing weather seemed to be matched with a sense of bonhomie amongst the skippers who resisted the temptation to push their competition to the edge, taking the rules only to point where their case was made and preferring an 'after you' approach to the waving of protest flags.

Cameron Miles, helmsman of Stephen Ainsworth's handicap winning Loki clearly contributed to such goodwill; commenting after the race Miles observed 'the adrenalin was clearly in the air amongst some of our young crew before the race, I just reminded them to control the emotions, it's easy to get carried away at such an event'.

For the Loki crew there will be plenty of opportunity to work off the adrenalin and enjoy their victory as they head offshore tonight for a qualifying 24 hour passage.

Crosbie Lorimer was out on the water enjoying his first experience of a sunny SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, whilst taking these pictures.