Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine 2019 728x90

Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta 2024 Day 2: A long one

by Di Pearson / AWKR media 9 Jun 2024 00:39 PDT 7-10 June 2024

Despite positive signs early in the day, just one of two planned races were held on Day 2 of the Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) on Port Phillip; competitors and officials played a long waiting game hoping the breeze would come back in, but the wait was to no avail.

The day, sponsored by Melbourne Debt Collectors, turned into a long affair. Two major wind shifts and breeze anything from 2 to 10 knots and nothing after the first race, made it hard going.

One race to bed, Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron (RMYS) Race Officer, Lou Hutton, had the fleet wait and wait, then finally started a second race, then was forced to abandon it when the breeze evaporated again.

At the end, there was a shift at the top of Division 1 leaderboard, while the other division leaders held their ground and in some instances consolidated on yesterday's scores.

Counting a win today, Mary Ann Harvey's Sydney 38 Clockwork (SA) has displaced Clare Olding's Vertigo (Vic) as the leader of Division 1, but they are on equal points, so tomorrow will decide the outcome.

The Justine Ella skippered Jungle Juice (NSW) has maintained third overall and is four points off the lead. "We worked hard today, it was that sort of day," t Vanessa Dudley, the boat's tactician/mainsheet hand said.

Two Dogs, skippered by Megan Aulich (Vic) has held on to both the Division 2 and J24 lead, while fellow J24, Gridlock (Vic), skippered by Erin Foster, is second overall in both divisions.

Auretta, a J70 skippered by Emma Maertens (Vic) has moved up to third place in Division 2, courtesy of winning today's race and in the new J24 Division, Sophie Davidson's Sidetracked (SA) has held onto third place overall.

Northern Territory yachts are still holding down the top two spots in the S80 division. So far, nobody has been able to beat Jenny Simondson's Outlaw, while Fiona McManus' Mood Indigo has scored a trio of second places. Kylie Balmain's Hot Shot has held on to third place with a trio of third places.

Anna Purcell, sailing on Hot Shot, commented, "Staying in third place overall is nice for us. The breeze was lovely this morning, but then it got light..."

Williamstown Sailing Club Commodore, Maree Fitzpatrick, had more than the weather on her mind. As skipper of the J24, Double Exposure, Fitzpatrick explained, "We have three dinghy sailors aboard who have never been on a keelboat before. We had just three hours training before the regatta, but they've adapted really well.

"It's been a real opportunity for them and they've taken everything in. I could put them on any keelboat now and they'd understand what is what and what to do," Fitzpatrick said.

"Added to that, I've never sailed a J24 before but I'm liking it. I think it's a great introduction boat for dinghy sailors who'd like to move into keelboats."

AWKR Chairwoman, Monica Jones, who is skippering her Adams 10 Salamander III here, said it was a trying day for many.

"It was up to 10 knots and variable. Then it lightened off and was shifty. Quite tricky."

Trimming main for Wendy Tuck on the Beneteau 34.7, Spartan (NSW), respected yachtswoman, Kathy Veel, described the day as "rather long. But it was a great race for us (they finished third). It was the right length windward/leeward course - the race was shortened and breeze was dying out as we finished."

On what is planned for tomorrow, Lou Hutton explained, "The wind is looking better than today's. We should have up to 10 knots and we'll try to get two races in. We'd be happy with that."

Sailing concludes tomorrow and is set to start from 10am, weather permitting.

For full results including AMS and ORC and all information, please visit: www.awkr.com.au.

Related Articles

Crew dynamics will be decisive in Course des Caps
Just two days to go before the start of the first race of the eagerly-awaited 2025 IMOCA season With just two days to go before the start of the first race of the eagerly-awaited 2025 IMOCA season, all eyes are on Boulogne-Sur-Mer as 11 crews prepare to race around the British Isles in the Course des Caps-Boulogne sur Mer-Banque Populaire du Nord. Posted today at 7:02 pm
2025 Marion to Bermuda Race concludes
Celebrating the remarkable seamanship and sportsmanship of every team After days of strategic sailing, shifting winds, and open-ocean challenges, the results are in—and we're proud to celebrate the remarkable seamanship and sportsmanship of every team that took part. Posted today at 6:49 pm
29th Superyacht Cup Palma day 2
Linnea Aurora turns the tables as it gets tight at the top A bigger and better breeze welcomed the racing fleet on the second day of the Superyacht Cup Palma 2025, resulting in full-tilt sailing around the 23nm five-leg racecourse. Posted today at 6:16 pm
CYCS 2025 Tiedemann Classics Regatta preview
Bringing together some of the most beautiful yachts on the water The Classic Yacht Owners Association's annual Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS) kicks off a summer of stunning northeastern sailing with the 2025 Tiedemann Classics Regatta this weekend. Posted today at 5:39 pm
Kieler Woche Day 8
Mourniac & Retornaz take the lead in the Nacra 17 class A dream day ahead of the second weekend at the Kieler Woche regatta off Schilksee: Moderate to fresh westerly winds with strong gusts, alternating sun and clouds, provided ideal sailing conditions for all participants on Friday. Posted today at 5:18 pm
J/70 Mixed-Plus Worlds at Lake Garda Day 2
Spanish team Yupi top the leaderboard Friday was the second day of racing in Torbole for the inaugural J/70 Mixed-Plus World Championship. Although the "Ora" breeze was lighter than yesterday, it didn't disappoint; it blew steadily enough to deliver three fair, fun and hard-fought races. Posted today at 4:58 pm
SailGP: Roger Federer inspires Swiss SailGP team.
Roger Federer joins forces with Switzerland SailGP Team to inspire success One of Switzerland's greatest sporting icons, Roger Federer, features in the newest episode of Racing on the Edge, SailGP's official behind-the-scenes docuseries, produced in partnership with Rolex. Posted today at 4:26 pm
44Cup Marstrand 2025 day 3
Gale force winds batter the west coast of Sweden With gale force winds battering the west coast of Sweden, racing had to be cancelled on day three of the 44Cup Marstrand. Posted today at 1:33 pm
Francesca Clapcich to co-skipper Team Malizia
In the Course des Caps round Britain & Ireland Race Italian/American offshore sailor Francesca Clapcich will join Malizia-Seaexplorer as co-skipper for the inaugural edition of the Course des Caps-Boulogne sur Mer - Banque Populaire du Nord. Posted today at 12:56 pm
Team Be Water Positive The Ocean Race Europe crew
Scott Shawyer will skipper Team Be Water Positive in the fully crewed offshore challenge this summer Canada Ocean Racing - Team Be Water Positive today announces its 2025 The Ocean Race Europe crew led by Canadian skipper Scott Shawyer and featuring five other accomplished names in offshore sailing. Posted today at 11:54 am
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo M75Vaikobi 2024 December