Land breeze, sea breeze transition next test for Sydney to Mooloolaba fleet
by Rob Kothe on 24 Mar 2002
Line 7 - 2002 Sydney to Mooloolaba Yacht Race
Daryl Krasu
Last night, the pre-race advice from Dr. George Creswell and Roger 'Clouds” Badham rang in the ears of some winners and losers in the tactical battles as the fleet approached Port Stephens.
The approach to Seal Rocks in the wee small hours proved difficult, with Grant Wharington aboard Australian Scandia Wild Thing and Rob Mundle aboard Ian Treleaven’s Volvo 60 Line 7 both reporting losses there.
At the morning sked the leading maxi Wild Thing had recovered her overnight losses to Grundig. These three boats were holding close on the coast; with the breeze swinging the next few hours will be critical as the land breeze transitions to the expected north-easter.
Close behind Line 7, who is powering along comfortably with her code zero in place is Syd Fishers Ragamuffin, who has just dropped her spinnaker as the breeze begins to swing.
Last night Brindabella had moved well offshore, expecting a south easter, which did not come in.
The Brindabella team was philosophical about that this morning but the big Jutson was moving well in good pressure and looking for the Buffalo Boys affect.
Geoff Cropley aboard Brindabella, explained ‘We’ve paid a price for our offshore position but are looking to make gains during the day.’ He commented that yesterday’s very public halyard problem had been caused when the jib halyard slipped in the self-tailer. Brindabella has a small problem now with the bottom rudder bearing giving way. This is not causing any concern at the moment and the boys are mopping up occasionally.
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