Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta offshore race - Double to APC Max

by Doug Cuming on 2 Oct 2010 APC Logistics Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta offshore race.

Melbourne based Grainger catamaran APC Max takes out line honours and OMR handicap double in opening Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta offshore race. Grainger cruising catamaran, The Countess, took out the Performance handicap prize followed by Te Arawa, the veteran 45 foot Crowther cat owned by Jim Geddes. Local speedster Indian Chief (Darren Drew) came second on both line honours and handicap.

No wind, compounded with an incoming tide, meant that no boat crossed the start line until 15 minutes after the gun in the first offshore race for the 2010 Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta. Gradually a light wind filled in from the east with Mad Max, Indian chief, Voodoo Spirit and Quickstep leading the fleet out of the heads. Lukim Yu and Big Bird tagged along, keeping up with the faster boats. Close to Killcare the wind shifted to the NE at 10-15 knots spreading the fleet out. Mad Max was first around the Maitland Bay mark, followed by Indian Chief, closely followed by Quickstep.

Lukim Yu retired with prodder damage, that skipper Robin Ottowa suspected was caused by another boat colliding with Lukim whilst on the mooring several weeks ago. Shortly before the mark Voodoo Spirit tore the headboard off the main and also had to retire, quickly getting back to the mooring to get the main repaired. Skipper Doug Cuming looked in despair as the torn sail might end his weekend and worse, require an overdue replacement.

Shane Russell in Foxy was sailing a notch better with his new carbon sails keeping ahead of Big Bird and Twiggy, with The Countess catching up in the freshening breeze. At the tail of the fleet Powerzone and Te Arawa were enjoying the race in the cruising division.

Morning and afternoon races will be run on Saturday and Sunday in Pittwater, where the Cat 4 offshore boats will be joined by a number of smaller Cat 6 boats, ensuring competitive sailing.

The Notice of Race and further details are available on the RMYC Multihulls Lock Crowther Memorial Regatta website http://www.royalmotor.com.au/multihulls/Crowther.html!here.