Hobart Combined Clubs Long Race Series Race 2 Preview

Porco Rosso 2 © Gill Dayton

Excitement is building as 37 boats prepare to hit the water this Saturday for the second race in the Combined Clubs Long Race Series. The Derwent Sailing Squadron will host the event, with the action kicking off at 10 am.

Last weekend's opener delivered some impressive performances across all three divisions, and this week's race promises even more competition. However, with a chilly south-westerly forecast, Race Officer Ian Ross is carefully considering course options to maximise the race distance for all three divisions. "I want to offer each division a course that provides variety, but the weather will determine where I send them" says Ross.

Division 1, will see Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race entrant Porco Rosso (Paul McCartney) look to continue its strong showing under the IRC rating. The competition will be fierce, with podium contenders Midnight Rambler (Ed Psaltis) and Intrigue (David Calvert) eager to challenge. After an overall win in the 2023 Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race, McCartney and his crew are using every local racing opportunity to fine-tune their setup for the 'Hobart'.

Seasoned campaigner Midnight Rambler will be looking to capitalise on its results in IRC and ORC, aiming to stay ahead of Intrigue and Tenacity (John Lawrie) in the series. A notable return to the Hobart fleet, in Division 1, is the Beneteau First 45 Audere, now owned by Andrew Sinclair. Sinclair is using the Long Race Series to fine-tune the boat as it returns to local racing.

Prion chasing down The Dog House - photo © Colleen Darcey

Over in Division 2, boats will be chasing Saga (Chris Sheehan), who dominated both the IRC and ORC standings in the opening race. The competition remains fierce, with Prion (Donovan Oak) narrowly edging out The Dog House (Peter Coad & Steve Duggan) by just 19 seconds over the line last Saturday - setting the stage for another close race between these 30-foot rivals.

Division 3 faces a forecast that may challenge the smaller boats, but Race Officer Ross will carefully time their course to ensure a close finish at Castray Esplanade with Divisions 1 and 2. Innovator (Ian Smith & Dean Aberle) will be looking to extend their lead after a solid first race, with Camlet Way (Stephen Mannering) determined to keep the pressure on.

With tight competition, unpredictable weather, and plenty of tactical decisions ahead, the second race of the Combined Clubs Long Race Series promises to be one to watch.