Farr 40 One Design Trophy at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - Day 1
by Farr 40 Australia 7 Dec 2019 02:45 PST
7-8 December 2019
2019 Farr 40 One Design Trophy - Day 1 © Jennie Hughes
The first day of the Farr 40 Pittwater One Design trophy was held on the Palm Beach circle with a nice nor' easter of 5-8 knots providing perfect conditions for the Class' final regatta of the season.
PRO Steve Merrington did a great job running two classes on the one racecourse and after four races, Jeff Carter's Edake is in first place by just one point, with Double Black in second and Exile in third on joint points.
Pittwater local and Farr 40 Owner of Enigma, Robert (Bob) Bennett worked with Tom Spithill to put together a RPAYC youth development team helmed by Jim Gordon today and Bennett tomorrow. The young team thoroughly enjoyed their maiden Farr 40 regatta and Bennett was proud of their performance.
"Tommy and I work closely together on a lot of things at RPAYC and he suggested a few weeks ago that we get the kids on Enigma for this regatta. My regular crew were only too happy to give up their racing today and I'm an old softie. I just really enjoy seeing happy faces on kids.
The team are locals and they all race on different boats. We want to develop their skills and hopefully retain them in the club and today was the first time they have ever been on a big yacht. The average age is 20 years old and then there's Jim Gordon and I who are taking turns at the helm. I'm really proud of how well they sailed today and tomorrow, we are aiming to move up a spot."
The Enigma motto as printed on their crew shirts is: "Over 20 degrees, under 20 knots, less than 20% chance of rain. Triple checked and good to go!
There is no stopping current World Corinthian champions Edake and with consistent scores of 1.3.3.2, the crew are on a roll having won the last two regattas.
Rob Reynolds was unable to sail this weekend and handed over the reins to Sam Hill. Hill, no stranger to Farr 40 racing had an absolute blinder with the experienced crew and it's up for grabs going into the final races tomorrow, with just one point separating the top three.
Racing will commence tomorrow, Sunday, 8 December 2019 at 12noon.
Full results available here.
The Farr 40 Australian Class is proudly sponsored by Hacer Group.