Huey II proves light breeze specialist in Melges 24 Winter Regatta

by Tracey Walters on 7 May 2012
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club hosted the Melges 24 Winter Regatta over the weekend.

Three races on Saturday in a nice steady 13-17 knot southerly and brilliant sunshine provided ideal winter racing. Chris Links steering Amigos took Boat of the Day after three guns.

Calling the shots was gold medallist and North American Melges 24 Champion Nathan Wilmot, who has been sailing extensively in the Melges 20, 24 and 32 classes in Europe and the USA. A full family affair, Nathan was competing against his Uncle Bob Wilmot and nephew Ryan, while sailing with Steve Girdis the 2011 Melges 32 Australian Champion, onboard Arriba Arriba.

David Bull's Jester raced a great regatta, putting pressure on the gun fleet, finishing four out of the six races in second place. With such a consistent scorecard he was unlucky to place third over all on 16 points, demonstrating how tight Melges 24 racing really is.

For Damian Huon, RPA club representative and owner and skipper of Huey II, Sunday's light five knot north easterly breeze gave them the edge over the fleet. '

Racing with his son James who is an RPAYC Opti sailor for the first time, Damian dominated day two and headed into the last race on equal points with Amigos. His third win for the day was enough take out the regatta; a sweet result for the end of his first season in a Melges 24.

Damian was pleased with the win and commented 'We’re slowly creeping forward.'

Thanks to the RPAYC and PRO Steve Merrington who did well to get the six races in to complete the series.

The Melges 24 fleet is looking forward to the start of the next sailing season kicking off racing alongside big brother the Melges 32 fleet at Hamilton Island Race Week.