Sydney to Lord Howe 2002 race finish

by Rob Kothe on 9 Oct 2002 Lord Howe Maritime's Clive Wilson advised of Debonair's line honours finish at 1750 last night.

Erik Frank was pleased to arrive last night. Without self-steering her crew had shared the helming in strong conditions for 81 hours.

Debonair stood off the Island last night and will be seeking a sheltered anchorage today. Winds are currently blowing 25 knots from the northeast.

Drina is now beating north past the lagoon and is now less than 4 miles from the Lord Howe Island finishing line.

With the strong southerly change due tonight, Drina will be sailing straight back south today to take advantage of the last 12 hours of northerly breeze.

On the advice of the Coffs Harbour racing pigeon owner, Drina's 'third' crew will remain below decks this morning to ensure he's not tempted to emigrate.

He will be sent on his way, when in sight of the Central Coast on NSW.

Mike Thurston advises that the pigeon continues to enjoy his diet of Weetbix and water. Conditions below are become a little crappy, but all is well.

The last of the race retirees, Swifty arrived in Pittwater late yesterday evening.

She had sheared two bolts on the steering quadrant, which had rendered her wheel unusable.

The emergency tiller allowed steerage, with the autopilot fully functional.

To view the race skeds www.sail-world.com/sydneytolordhowe

For more information on the Short Handed Sailing Association

www.ssaa.com.au