Sydney Hobart – Star gazing
by John Curnow, Editor, Sail-World AUS 29 Dec 2022 12:36 AEDT
71, ENTERPRISE NEXT GENERATION, Sail No: F1701, Owner: Anthony Kirke / Andrew Nuttman, Skipper: Anthony Kirke / Andrew Nuttman, State: WA, Design: Botin Carkeek GP42, LOA: 12,8 © Rolex / Andrea Francolini
Yes, the proverbial elephant in the room has nothing on this.... We'd been waiting, and here it is.
Official edict - "The redress hearing for Enterprise (for standing by Koa) is at 4pm this afternoon - this will have an impact on Overall results. Therefore, whoever is Overall winner, the media opportunity with presentation of trophy and timepiece will take place at that boat tomorrow 30 December at 10:00am, followed by a public presentation on the stage in the race village at 12:00pm."
Asked as to will it be made known after the hearing, the response was, "Not sure yet."
Me thinks there could be a bit in the "this will have an impact on Overall results" line.... Now did someone say mystery and intrigue never far behind? We'll see, and not too long after 1600hrs AEDT, either. NB. Redress for adhering to Rule#1 (safety at sea) is not in question here. Nearest asset is always the best option.
More time in 'The Room'
Set for 1230hrs AEDT, Dec 30 at RYCT:
1. Chutzpah R33 v XS Moment BNMH 11744
20 seconds before the race start, three boats - Toy Box (31/4) / KD 4 (90/99) / Chutzpah - were in line abreast on approach to the start line hard on the wind main eased on stbd/ spd slow (2.5 knts).
XS Moment approached into a small gap between Chutzpah and KD 4 (90/99) at full speed into a gap too small and left no room for Chutzpah to avoid collision resulting in contact from the port quarter of Chutzpah with contact continuing along the gunwale of chutzpah to the chainplates where the rigs briefly snagged. After the collision we assessed the damage, continued racing and then conducted a penalty turn (720 degrees) after passing the Sea Mark Y.
The turn was undertaken as contact between two boats had occurred.
RSA 189 and 6 for 162, with AUS 8 for 575 declared, RSA trailing by 224 runs (at time of writing), should anyone be interested...