Classic Yacht Association wraps up 2023 Winter Series on Port Phillip
by Classic Yacht Association of Australia 27 Aug 2023 20:45 AEST
Wanita going for the Race 9 start line © Classic Yacht Association of Australia
The traditional pursuit start race to wrap up a series was a last race decider for who would take out the series honours.
In the wash up after 9 completed races, it was the Laurent Giles Brittany, Wanita, with one point over Mercedes III, a further one point over with Astrud, the ex Norrie II from Royal Prince Alfred. It was a close call for Wanita. She was pipped by two seconds over the line by Austrud in this race.
Revelling in the five knot conditions, Mercedes IV under the helm of Richard Stringer, bought the curtain down on the 26th year of Classic Yacht racing on Port Phillip. Hoots and Hollers from Mercedes IV were heard across Port Phillip as she capped off her inaugural race with Melbourne's Classic Yacht fleet with an everso impressive light wind performance.
Today's race saw some startling light wind performances by Merlin and Tandanya, the fleet's favorite boat for many years. Another notable light wind performance was seen by Marama
To have Mercedes III and Mercedes IV, along with seven Tumlaren, racing in Melbourne's Classic fleet, Port Phillip will be the scene for many head turning classic yacht racing duels.
View the 2023 Classic Yachtwinter racing and series results on Port Phillip here.