Challenge Wins ORCV Winter Series Race 3
Sydney 38's do battle in heat three and four of the ORCV Series.
'CHALLENGE'
Andrea Francolini © Photo
The conditions for race three and four of the ORCV winter series sailed on Port Phillip Bay on Sunday 3rd August, were made to provide for some interesting racing. In what appeared to be a dying northerly of less than ten knots, the breeze initially flicked left during the morning race but latter in the afternoon backed to the right, at times of 15 to 20 degrees. The emergence of a small front of in excess of twenty knots together with rain late in the race also kept crews and trimmers on their toes with sail selections and crew work.
RACE 3
With a bold start beside the committee boat, Lou Abraham's 'Challenge' lead from start to finish to win comfortably by 3 minutes from 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Mel And Andrew Mollison). 'Hasta la Vista' (David Phillips) 3rd in class, and '38 Degrees South' (John Chatham) 4th, had a good race finishing 19 seconds apart after almost two hours racing. Jock MacAdie, ex 'Alex' and 'Clockwork Orange' helmed for Lou, who is recovering from a recent period in hospital, whilst Scott Walton called the shots.
'Challenge's' IRC result was also impressive, winning the overall fleet IRC handicap honours by 35 seconds.
RACE 4
Between races the wind increased to 15 knots and most of the fleet opted to use their heavier jibs. On this occasion, 'Challenge' had the DK 45's start to weather and had difficulty clearing her air. 'Sierra Chainsaw' had the better start and managed to stay in contact with 'Challenge' with good boat speed. 'Sierra' favouring the right hand side approach to the weather mark took advantage of a lift to gain the lead on the second lap. However, after a snappy jibe set, 'Challenge' closed the gap to a boat length by the leeward gate. 'Sierra' held onto that lead to the weather mark but with the wind now gusting to twenty knots, experienced a 'wineglass' when setting her spinnaker enabling 'Challenge' to regain the lead. However, by again demonstrating superior windward performance, 'Sierra' sailed well to again overtake 'Challenge' to cross the line a winner by 23 seconds. '38 Degrees South' finished third.
In the mixed IRC handicap results 'Sierra Chainsaw' finished 4th and 'Challenge' 5th.
'Challenge' is currently second overall in the IRC results with 'Sierra Chainsaw' next best of the Sydney 38's in sixth position.
Rowan Simpson
Southern Chapter Secretary
by Rowan Simpson
sunrise beach, QLD
