Hamilton Island RW: Big breeze predicted for Day 2
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz 19 Aug 2018 14:44 PDT
20 August 2018
Crosbie Lorimer updates the media centre notice board with a picture of the day - following the postponement © Richard Gladwell
While the 233 boat fleet enjoyed idyllic racing conditions on Day 1 of Hamilton Island Race Week, they are expected to have a new hand dealt by the weather Gods for Day 2.
According to Predictwind.com the fleet could be tested in the offshore course by southerly winds averaging 25kts and gusting over 30kts.
In an updated forecast at 0730hrs on August 20, the conditions were as expected yesterday, but easing later in the afternoon. At the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the postponement flag has been flying ashore, but a few minutes ago, the competitors were told to go on the water and await further signals afloat. That aside it appears to be a great day promising some exciting sailing.
There are several top international sailors participating in the regatta, with Artemis Racing and double Olympic Gold medalist aboard Black Jack. Volvo Ocean Race veterans Rob Greenhalgh and Gordon Maguire are aboard Matt Allen's TP52 Ichi Ban.
Oracle Team USA's Tom Slingsby has returned from competing in the Finn class at the Sailing World Championships at Aarhus to sail another TP52, Hooligan, along with two times Volvo Ocean Race veteran Stacey Jackson - ex Team SCA in the the 2014/15 race and Vestas 11th Hour Racing in the just concluded race.
Wild Oats XI, the second supermaxi in the six strong Division 1 fleet has her regular crew skippered by Mark Richards, along with Glenn Bourke, three times Laser World Champion and twice America's Cup winner, Mattie Mason (NZ).
On Monday, August 20, the Big Boats are set down to sail an Islands Course from the eastern course area. Once again the RP100 Black Jack (Mark Bradford) will come up against the much modified Wild Oats XI, with a handful of TP52's and 60fter thrown in for good measure.
Racing was due to get underway at 1045hrs local time.