One Yacht left at sea In 2002 Sydney-Gold Coast Yacht Race

by Di Pearson on 31 Jul 2002 At the 7.00am sked, Panache, Dennis Krawchuk's Lavranos 36, had approximately 8 nautical miles to sail.

Built in South Africa for the rigours of the Cape Town to Punte Del Este (Uruguay)races which she completed in 1982 and 1985 with Dennis Krawchuk as skipper.

In the late 80's she was brought to Australia and competed in the Sydney to Hobarts of 1994 and 1996. At 9 tonnes in weight and performs at her best in strong reaching conditions and this race was way too light for her best.

A sou-easterly wind hit the back markers in the fleet bringing them home more quickly than anticipated earlier in the race.

In what must be some kind of record, there have been no retirements from the race - all sixty yachts will make it to the finish line.

Whilst nothing is set in concrete, provisionally under IMS Sting, the Farr 49 previously known as Yendys looks to be the overall winner and 3rd placed in IRC A, from Syd Fischer's Ragamuffin, which has also taken 2nd overall in IRC A, and Brindabella, owned by George Snow 3rd in IMS and on line.

The Ken Dunnett and Michael Spies well-sailed Beneteau 40.7, P&O Nedlloyd Shipping Central, looks set to claim 1st prize in IMS B Division and IRC C. Greg Newton's Beneteau 47.7 Antipodes Australia is in 2nd position in IMS B, with Amante, Dennis Coopers Sydney 36 in 3rd.

Hollywood Boulevard, Ray Roberts' Farr 52 is in pole position for IRC A after leading the fleet out of Sydney Heads and maintaining her performance.

Sydney 38's have made a clean sweep of IRC B Division, with Justin Lambeth's London Tavern stealing the limelight from Andrew Short Marine (Andrew Short) and Graham Gibson's newly launched Hidden Agenda in 3rd. This was the 'wetting of the head' for Hidden Agenda - her owner unable to participate, the boat was left in capable hands of Adam Brown.

In IRC C, the little Hick 30, Redrock Communications looks set for 2nd place. Her owner, Chris Bowling must be ecstatic. At one point, it looked like he may not make the start line, waiting for a new mast to be stepped. In 3rd place is an old favourite, the three-quarter tonner, Impeccable, owned by the still very competitive John Walker.

At this stage, Randal Wilson's Bright Morning Star is in the lead for the PHS win over Robert Green's X-Yacht 412 X-Citation and Delight, the X-Yacht 442 owned by Nick Delaine.

The race presentation is due to be held today at Southport Yacht Club.

Provisional result information is available at www.sail-world.com/goldcoast2002

Final official results will be posted as soon as available.