Sydney Hobart – Double, Double, Toil and Trouble.
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 30 Dec 2021 00:36 PST
The Akilaria RC2 Sidewinder streaks out to sea - 2021 CYCA Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Rolex / Andrea Francolini
They might have tried to stop the Two-Handers today, but as our short-handed expert, Lee Condell of Performance Boating, points out, the witches just could not put a spell on the fleet.
“After another long day of light downwind sailing for most of the division, the Line Honours leader, Sidewinder, is now just 12 nautical miles from the finish. Finally the Class 40 has had a leg of reaching, which was across Storm Bay, and really stretched its legs.”
“However, the IRC leader at the moment, the S&S 34 Crux, looks to be heading for a band of light variable wind, while the J99 Disko Trooper has rounded Tasman Island and is very likely to pull out some distance across Storm Bay. However, with 40 miles to go, Jules and Jan are likely to hit the River Derwent in little wind, so there may be an opportunity for those behind to shorten the distance between them, and to overtake them under the IRC Measurement Rule.”
“Salt Shaker is five miles ahead of Rum Rebellion and Speedwell, but with the latter two having lower ratings, they remain a fair way ahead under IRC. These two have been in close company now for days!”
“Anyway, the yacht that has sailed a remarkable race thus far has to be Crux, with Carlos and Peter staying well in contention, and could be the surprise winner if they finish in the morning, and don’t fall foul of the overnight light wind in the river.”
“It's still all to play for!”
Stay safe, thanks for tuning into Sail-World.com, and all the best for 2022.