Are we heading to Hobart or competing on a Sunday?
Are we heading to Hobart or competing in a Sunday Audi Winter Series Race? 
'The view from last place - Audi Winter Series 2008'
Brooke Paton
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Race 10 Sydney 38 One Design Divisional Report.
Well for some, it certainly had that 'heading South' element as you crossed the heads to Manly with gust of over 30 knots and waves that looked to be over three metres. Or as one British bowman put it, 'Feels like summer sailing in England.' as the choppy waters and 20 plus knot Sou-westerly greeted the 12 Sydney 38 yachts that ventured to the start line with a complete divisional fleet of 125 yachts.
These conditions presented remarkably different conditions for competitors to the past three races and it was very refreshing and challenging for those that braved the elements.
Gordon Ketelbey's Zen attracted her fare share of interest fronting up to the start line with a minimalist view on sail area, sporting a number three headsail only. Unfortunately on the way to the start line, one of the crew looked up and commented, 'The top of the main is not trimmed properly.' and they were right. The main was torn from the luff to the leach below the second batten. Much to their disappointment, there was no time left to return to MHYC and retrieve another main from the locker so the crew chose the only option which was to compete under headsail only, instead of returning to the bar.
After a shy reach to Robertsons Point mark first round was Michael McMahon and Warwick Miller's X3 followed by Warrick Rooklyn's Ichi Bandit second and Allan and Tom Quick's Outlaw in third. This race saw the challenging conditions create opportunities for the fleet to change leaders frequently.
Rounding the Bradleys Head mark saw the fleet launching their spinnakers. For a minute there it seemed like any top mark rounding to the fleet, then all hell broke loose as trimmer, helmsmen and crew struggled to avoid a broach or Chinese gybe.
Having a fantastic vantage point at the back of the fleet, the crew from Zen enjoyed the action as it unfolded ahead. Whilst not all yachts succeeded in maintaining control the fragments of spinnakers were left to tell the story. 'Every sail makers dream!'
Zen's crew did debate the option of setting a kite but without the aid of the main to assist in the retrieval and the thought of using a flare gun to get it down was not really an option. Subsequently they decided that it was better to continue limping around the course.
Shredding their spinnaker was like a 'speed hump' to Ichi Bandit who rounded Cannae Point first followed by Uplift second and X3 third. Zen actually closed the gap on the fleet at this point as the wipe outs had caused such chaos to the fleet and rounded the mark with Livewire just on the bow in 26 knots.
Soon after rounding Cannae Point, X3 was to watch their headsail shred leaving the head flying from the top of the mast much like a spinnaker. X3 headed to the calmer waters behind Middle Head, off Balmoral, to safely hoist their bow person to the top of the rig to retrieve the halyard and what looked to be a handkerchief. I must say great payback to the bow person (if it was them) for connecting the spinnaker incorrectly for the first launch.
Due to the conditions and loss of control by competitors, by the time Zen actually went through the gate she was just behind Livewire and ahead of X3, much to the crews' surprise.
Rounding Bradleys Head mark for a second time Alan and Tom Quick's Outlaw was hot on the heals of the leaders.
'We had no real problems throughout the race, everyone enjoyed it. It is always a great feeling when things go well in race conditions like these', said Tom, who took handicap honors after finishing third over the line after Ichi Bandit and Uplift.
The view of the carnage of both the Sydney 38 fleet and the main fleets of the Audi Winter Series was thrilling in what would have made a great spectacle for those that do not follow our passion.
The Sydney 38 divisional provisional handicap result saw Outlaw first; Uplift second and Ichi Bandit third.
Unfortunately both Cameron Miles Rush and Karl Stechmann's and Peter Mason's Blue Chip did not finish the race.
What fantastic racing conditions to compete in and my congratulations to the CYCA race committee for not only NOT abandoning racing but also not shortening the course. Unless you compete in offshore racing, opportunities for Sydney 38 one design yachts, are limited as the class rule maximum of 25 knot wind strength means we do not get to sail in conditions like these very often.
With only four races left in the Audi Winter Series 2008, there are only seven points separating the top nine yachts it is still very much anyone's to win.
Let's hope we have a full fleet this Sunday 22nd June, and keep the heat on the overall leaders. (First Warrick Rooklyn's Ichi Bandit; second Alison and Anthony Pickering's Love Byte and third Alan and Tom Quick's Outlaw.)
I hope to see you all Sunday and happy sailing!
by Brooke Paton 
Port Macquarie, NSW
