Sharpie National Championship - Suicide Blond takes lead

by Clare Murray on 31 Dec 2011 Sharpie National Championship is being held by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Manly. Conditions on day one of racing were less trying than yesterday with 15 to 18knots of breeze from the south.

Suicide Blond skippered by Craig Francis of Western Australia is winning overall on handicap after today’s two heats, followed by Kym Wright’s Murderess in second and Ian Richardson’s Mainiac in third.

South Australian boat Warpig skippered by Geoffrey McCloud won line honours in the first race followed by Blur , skippered by Malcolm Higgins and Ginger Bread Man, skippered by Elke Hacker, in second and third places respectively.

On scratch race two was won by the only boat representing Tasmania, One Hump or Two skippered by Drew Latham.

Latham was keen to see how they went against other competitors. 'We don’t have any racing in Hobart so we are out there by ourselves.' Latham said. 'It’s a bit of a surprise when you don’t know how you will go. We feel good about the second race but there are plenty of races to go.'

One Hump or Two was followed in the heat by Warpig, then Blur.

Tomorrow will be an early lay day in the regatta with racing resuming Monday.

For race results click Sharpie Association website