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7:15 AM Mon 2 Feb 2009 GMT
Close racing was the highlight of the 2009 Skandia Morris Financial Sydney 38 One Design Regatta held between 23rd and 26th January. With all of the Victorian fleet of Sydney 38's on the water, nine yachts made for great racing.
There were four different heat winners and noticeably improved performances from 'Audacious' (Greg Clinnick and P Holden) and 'Another Challenge' (Chris Leewin). Ray Sweeney, from Queensland, added an interstate interest by chartering 'Hasta la Vista'. The winner, 'Cinquante', skippered by the event sponsor Ian Murray ably assisted by his tactician Tim Davis, sailed an excellent series capped off with a brilliant win in the last race of the series.
The series consisted of six races. Races 1 and 2 were sailed off Williamstown, at the northern end of Port Phillip Bay. Race 3 was a 30 mile passage race from Williamson to Geelong. Races 4 and 5 were sailed on the outer circle course in Corio Bay and the final race on the inner circle.
RACE 1
In a 10 to 12 knot south easterly 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Andrew & Mel Mollison) won from a fast finishing 'Challenge' (Lou Abrahams). 'Audacious', sporting a new main, sailed particularly well to finish third.
RACE 2
With fluctuating wind directions, this race set the pecking order for the regatta with 'Challenge' and 'Cinquinte' engaging in a battle for honours. 'Challenge' held a slender lead early but 'Cinquinte', in a desperate bid, just failed to squeeze under 'Challenge' at the top mark for the last time. Her subsequent penalty allowed 'Challenge' to escape with a comfortable win. Third was 'Sierra Chainsaw'.
RACE 3
Whilst fortunate to have separate starts in all other races, the passage event has a mass start with over 300 yachts to avoid. The conditions throughout the race were uncomfortable and a beat to windward for the entire race. The wind varying between 15 to 25 knots was particularly challenging. The Sydney 38 class assists Rotary each year in this event by carrying a country student selected for their 2008 achievements. This caused a drama for 'Clockwork', (Frank McDermott and G Mather) when their allocated student, became sea sick prior to the start and had to be transferred to the shore. However, with the assistance of the race committee, 'Clockwork' was able to start on time.
Whilst 'Challenge' had a great start, 'Sierra Chainsaw' protecting the right, was doing well. However, it was 'Cinquante', sailing with height and better speed in the upper wind gusts, which lead at the Point Richards channel mark and dominated the race to win from 'Sierra Chainsaw'. 'Challenge' struggled with poor jib selection to finish third.
RACE 4
After a delayed start, due to a fickle breeze, the fleet was started in an unstable light easterly. 'Challenge' won the biased start from the pin end and lead 'Cinquinte' and 'Another Challenge' at the windward mark. These three yachts engaged in an enthralling battle to the finish with no change to the order.
RACE 5
The sea breeze finally kicked in from the south and in ideal conditions, the fleet enjoyed the closest of racing which one design racing is all about. 'Audacious' leapt out of the blocks at the start with great speed. 'Challenge' and 'Cinquinte' engaged in their private dual, the separation never more than a couple of boat lengths. 'Sierra Chainsaw' dropped out of contention following a problem at the last leeward gate rounding. However, the highlight of this race was 'Audacious' winning her first One Design race. This was a tribute to the persistence of her crew to learn and improve. 'Challenge' managed to hold off 'Cinquante' to open up a three point lead in the series.
RACE 6
After another extended delay, the race was finally started with a pin end baise which saw the majority of the fleet fighting for position. Unfortunately for 'Challenge', a premature start gave 'Cinquinte' an opportunity to establish an early lead and control the fleet to give Ian Murray and his local Geelong crew a well deserved win for the series. 'Scarlett Runner' (Robert Date) had her best race for the regatta finishing second just ahead of 'Another Challenge'.
The class is also grateful to Ian for sponsoring the series and we hope he enjoys accepting his trophy at the presentation to be held on February 8th at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club.
FINAL POINTS
1. Cinquinte Ian Murray 13 points
2. Challenge Lou Abrahams 14 points
3 Sierra Chainsaw Mel Mollison 20 points
4 Scarlett Runner Robert Date 26 points
5 Another Challenge Chris Leewin 28 points
6 Audacious Greg Clinnick/ Paul Holden 29 points
7 Clockwork Gordon Mathers / Frnk Mc Dermott 40 points
8 38 Degrees South John Chatham 46 points
9 Hasta la Vista Ray Sweeney 54 points
by Rowan Simpson
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