Shortwave blitzes the Melbourne fleet

8:54 AM Sat 27 Dec 2008 GMT

'Shortwave enjoyed the reaching conditions at today’s race start - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races' Teri Dodds

Shortwave has stamped herself as favourite, to take out line honours in the Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster which started off Portsea at noon today. In 3 - 5 knot light breeze and brilliant blue skies, the combined fleet of thirty-eight, expected to make a slow start today, however, within the two minute countdown to the start, the seabreeze arrived which gradually built during the afternoon. The SSW wind direction of 12 - 15 knots meant the yachts could take advantage of the increasing strength and reach to the turning mark off Queenscliff.

Starting close in at the Portsea pier where hundreds of spectators stood watching, Shortwave, Extasea and Ocean Skins tossled for the best position to hoist their reaching kites. Matthew Short's aptly named Shortwave, quickly accelerated away from the fleet to lead them out Port Phillip Heads, followed by Shamrock, Isuzu Marine (Alex - Team McAdie) and Helsal II.

With his family onboard, Matthew Short was all smiles as his modified TP52 revelled in the reaching conditions. Based in Sydney, the Short family made up of Matthew and his wife Christine, with four daughters Kylie, Nikki, Caitlin and Sarah, are competing in their first Victorian Blue water classic together.

In the Eastcoaster, Geelong yacht Extasea and Shamrock are expected to have a close race to Hobart. Extasea is attempting her second win in the Eastcoaster, but depending on the forecast this may prove difficult with the Reichel Pugh designed Shamrock, hot on her heels.

The Kidder Williams Melbourne to Launceston Rudder Cup may again return to Royal Geelong Yacht Club with Jarrod Wallis and his crew, on Mocean. With only fifteen yachts entered in this year's race, tight racing could take place between Mocean, Alegria 2 and George Shaw's new yacht The Secretary.

Matthew Short's Shortwave will contest the Skandia Docklands Invitational

Shamrock is expected to do well in the Eastcoaster - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races - Teri Dodds

Jarrod Wallis’s Mocean is a hot tip for the Launceston Rudder Cup - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races - Teri Dodds

Paul Buccholz’s Extasea is looking at back to back line honours wins in the Eastcoaster - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races - Teri Dodds