2009 Lipton Cup win to Cougar II

by David Seaman on 26 Nov 2009
Cougar II takes the 2009 Lipton Cup, winners sail off for $5K prizes. The 2009 Lipton Cup Regatta was decided last weekend, sailed in unusually light winds, it was a test of patience for most crews. The event is the prelude to the Christmas ocean races (Sydney-Hobart) and (Melbourne- Hobart). For the non ocean races it is a chance to get ready for Audi Victoria Week in January.

After two days of light sailing, Alan Whiteley and Cougar II took the the Lipton Cup. The IRC Division A win by three points was well deserved. Michael Hiatt's Living Doll was second followed by Chris Dare aboard Audi Centre Melbourne.

Until day 2 of the Regatta, Cougar II and Living Doll were on equal points, the passage race on the Sunday decided the result.

The win by Cougar II sets the scene for Sydney-Hobart, where all three boats will be competing, part of a strong Melbourne contingent for the race.

David Ellis's Surprise was the Division B standout taking both IRC and AMS handicaps. While Division C was closely fought between John Robb on Footloose and Gary Mackinven on Up 'N Go. John took out AMS and Gary claimed IRC and PHD.

David Wallace, Drambuie won Division D and Eneseay, John Duffin and ANA, Zrinko Levar took out Cruising with and without spinnakers respectively.

To cap off the weekend the winners battled it out in the Lipton Winners' Challenge. Skippers and 1 crew member aboard Pacer dinghies raced within within the confines of the Club marina. Cougar skipper Alan Whiteley came a credible 4th. Congratulations to Gary Fell Irish Logic and David Ellis Surprise who each won $5,000 worth of sails courtesy of Quantum sails and Doyle sails.

This was the third running of the Lipton Cup Regatta, and event Chairman, John Burgess, said he was most happy with the result, with 100 boats competing over the two days. John added 'Weather was very kind, but a little more wind would have been appreciated. It was also great to see the challenge race, we aim to make the event interesting, and $5,000 worth of sails certainly is.'

Full results at www.liptoncupregatta.com