Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - Frantic moves into lead

by Tony Evans on 8 Apr 2013 Hempel Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race 2013 - The predicted match up between Alegria V and Frantic has been realised with the latter moving into the lead on IRC this afternoon.

Michael Martin is one of the lesser experienced skippers in Australian ocean racing, but appears to be showing the better credentialed sailors the way with his TP52 Frantic.

Frantic has been chasing the larger Southern Excellence II for most of the race and it appears that their strategy to head south early is starting to pay off.

Early this afternoon Frantic, assisted by 10-15 knots SSE was making way at 10 knots plus and heading directly to Lord Howe, whilst further north, Alegria V had slowed to below three knots.

The breeze has now reached the boats that have chosen to hug the rhumb line and Alegria V is rolling on but has lost a good 10 nm to it's rival during the day.

The course south has also favoured SEx II and the Andrew Wenham skippered VO70 has improved it's position in all categories and currently is placed in fourth on IRC and second on PHS as well as leading the race for line honours.

Lord Howe Maritime has just laid the finishing buoy in anticipation of the first arrivals tomorrow morning.