L2H Finish line in sight and race record set to be smashed

7:43 PM Sun 28 Dec 2008 GMT

'Start line action in the 2008 L2H yacht race - 2008 Clive Peeters’ Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race' Kelly Woodward

A three-yacht show down from the Iron Pot is fuelling a record smashing Clive Peeters' Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race finish.

Less than two miles separates Creese Property, Crotty Legal and Dental and Asylum with just 17 miles remaining at 9pm.

Creese Property, skippered by David Creese is leading the fleet after claiming the lead from race favorite Crotty Legal and Dental shortly after the yachts rounded Tasman Island about 2.30 pm.

The off-shore experience of Creese's 11 crew saw the yacht maneuver into the lead amongst confused seas and challenging westerlies.

However Garry Smith and Geoff White's Crotty Legal and Dental, which had led the fleet for 240 miles of the 280 nautical mile race, cannot be ruled out.

The 45-footer's long waterline could be just the thing to pull back Creese Property and claim victory, with the first yacht expected to cross about midnight tonight.

It is a case of deja vu for Sydney 38 Asylum, skippered by Dianne Barkas, which was again placed in third position, the same as last year.

Barkas had fellow Sydney 38 Creese Property in sight and motivating the crew to continue to work tirelessly to reel in the race leaders in hope of bettering last year's results.

Just two miles astern of Asylum was David O'Neill's Redback and Launceston's line honors hopeful Haphazard skippered by Nick Edmunds.

Carrying the weight of Launceston's hopes to win L2H line honor's Sphinx Trophy has seemingly taken its toll on sailing stalwart Edmunds.

Sports-boat Tas Marine Construction has had a disappointing leg from Cape Raoul to the Iron Pot, dropping well back in the fleet to sixth position from second place.

The Thompson 920, skippered by Rob Gourlay, was confronted by 20-25knot westerlies and confused seas, which took a toll on the light weight contender.

Last year's inaugural race winner Jeff Cordell is limping home powered only by headsail after tearing a mainsail to pieces just north of Tasman Island.

Sports boat Tas Marine Construction skippered by Rob Gourlay had a flying start in the 2008 L2H - 2008 Clive Peeters’ Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race - Kelly Woodward

It's a disappointing finish for Cordell's Mumm 36 Host Plus Executive with the yacht expected to finish about 7am Monday and dropping well down the IRC result board.

Sailing veteran Frank Chatterton's Kamehameha is the best of the 30 footers, with a massive 9 mile lead over fellow 30-footer Beach Inspector.

Chatterton, who is the oldest skipper in the fleet aged 71, says he has spent more money getting his yacht ready for the L2H than he spent on its initial purchase.

Handicap places have revealed that size doesn't count with the small boats leading the larger race leaders.

Signrite Twice Five still leads on PHS from Masquerade and Redigo, which is placed last in the 32 strong fleet.

The grand-prix handicap division, IRC, heated up with just minutes separating the top three contenders.

Creese Property, Asylum and Sally Rattle's Archie lead the IRC charge.

At 9pm 12 L2H yachts had rounded Tasman Island and were charging home.

Black Magic, skippered by Graham Mansfield, retired this afternoon, seeking refuge at Triabunna after damaging its mast.

by Danielle McKay

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