Rain dampens wind but not competitors spirits

11:41 AM Fri 21 Nov 2008 GMT

'Valheru (Tony Lyall, RYCT) - Tasports Maria Island Race' Peter Campbell &copy Click Here to view large photo

The crews of the 20 yachts contesting this weekend's Tasports 61st Maria Island set sail from Hobart early this evening in steady rain that certainly 'dampened the wind but not the spirit of the sailors', according to Principal Race Officer Nick Corkhill.

Corkhill sent the fleet off at 1900 hours (7pm) from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania's line off Castray Esplanade in a 7-8 knot south-easterly with the prospects of a slow beat to windward down the Derwent River to the Iron Pot.

Non starters were Auch, Trouble and Wildfire, this latter withdrawal reducing the historic number of women skippers from four to three - Sally Rattle (Archie), Sally Smith (Helsal IV) and Dianne Barkas (Asylum).

The fleet got away to a clear start, with the lightweight sports boat Tasmanian Marina Constructions (Robert Gourlay) the early leader from Rolex Sydney Hobart contender Valheru (Tony Lyall) and Peter Williams' Liberte Express.

About 2100 hours (9pm) the leaders were believed to be close to the Iron Pot and about to sail into Storm Bay with the heavier rain continuing to dampen the breeze. Some of the tailenders were still only halfway down the river at this stage.

Once the fleet reaches the open waters of Storm Bay they should encounter fresher winds for a faster reach across Storm Bay to round Tasman Island before setting course northwards up the east coast to Maria Island, off Orford.

A strong wind warning has been issued for south-east Tasmanian waters later tomorrow.

The first radio position report ('sked') with the fleet will be at 2035 hours (10.35pm) this evening, followed by another pre-dawn 'sked' at 0535 hours (5.35am).

The Tasports Maria Island Race is a qualifier for this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with seven yachts representing Tasmanian clubs among the 110 boats nominated for the ocean classic. Five of the seven are competing
in the Maria Island Race - Valheru, She's the Culprit, Helsal IV, Pisces and Nest Property.

by Peter Campbell

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Rain dampens wind but not competitors spirits

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