Ideal Conditions For Stanley Race

by Matt Burton on 1 Nov 2002 Tonight's Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Queenscliffe to Stanley yacht race looks to be heading out in ideal conditions. The 152nm dash across Bass Strait gets under way from Drapers Reef at 22.15hrs this evening. With winds predicted to he in the east and heading north with strength on Saturday morning, a quick race is predicted.

The event hasn't been run for two years as last years Melbourne Cup weekend race went to Launceston instead. However this year changes have been made again to the ORCV's summer offshore racing calender. This sees the return of the Stanley race, with the Launceston event now replacing the Devenport race at Christmas. The Category 2 race is also a qualifier for the Melbourne and Sydney to Hobart races.

Peter Blake Jones 14m Kontrol looks to be the line honours favourite of the twentyfour yacht fleet. His crew will need to average at a touch over 1 10Knts to capture the race record set by Peter Hansen on Future Shock back in 1996. That time to beat is 15hrs 38mins 33secs.

In the dozen yachts competing in the AMS division Lou Abrahams' Sydney38 Another Challenge will be looking to continue its good form this year following a successful Queensland campaign in recent months.

With decent breezes the PHD division will be as hotly contested as ever. Tevake, Bacardi and Amaya are all proven ocean perfo﷓tmers but look out for Outlaw in fast running conditions.

There will also be three, two﷓handed competitors all looking for good practice miles leading up to next years Melbourne to Osaka classic. By Order Of The Secretary and Plantronics Duo Pro (formally Turbo) planning to sail through the finish line and continue sailing straight back as part of their qualifying for that event. Louise (formally Laurelle) will use the Westcoaster as their qualifier at Christmas.

The picturesque fishing town in North Western Tasmania is also planning a food and wine festival for the weekend, which should be a far cry from the old boat shed and hamburger stand of previous years!