Sierra Chainsaw pipped at the post
On a cold, overcast day with a 14 to 17 knot south westerly wind blowing directly from the antartic, four Sydney 38's competed in race five of the ORCV winter series on Port Phillip Bay on Sunday 17th August.
'Scarlett Runner Robert Date’s Sydney 38'
Andrea Francolini © Photo
The 21 mile race around fixed marks started cleanly on time at 0930 hours. 'Challenge' with Lou Abrahams back on board after a recent health scare, held off 'Scarlett Runner' (Robert Date) to R2 but 'Sierra Chainsaw' (Mel and Andrew Mollison) attacking the right side of the course, was also doing well. On the long beat to the Spoil Ground buoy, 'Challenge' the most leeward of group had height on the fleet, but not the speed to hold off her competitors. A right shift made the task more difficult, opening the door for 'Sierra Chainsaw', sailing with good pace to take a commanding lead on the fetch back to P3.
'Challenge' was the first to set a kite and closed on 'Scarlett Runner' but could not pass. On the run from P3 to Princes Pier marker 80. 'Challenge' finally overtook 'Scarlett Runner' after peeling to the S2. 'Sierra Chainsaw' held her lead at the turning mark to start the 5 mile beat, with the wind moderating to 10 knots. 'Challenge' began attacking 'Sierra Chainsaw' with a series of tacks and opting to keep to her left in the path of an approaching rain cloud. This proved to be a good tactic as the wind both increased and lifted her inside 'Sierra Chainsaw' who was desperately defending her lead.
'Challenge' chose to duck behind 'Sierra Chainsaw's' stern after 'Sierra' had tacked to lay the final weather mark to ensure she could lay the mark. Unfortunately for 'Sierra', another yacht tacked on her air, enabling 'Challenge' to round the final mark clear ahead. 'Challenge' was then able to hold off 'Sierra Chainsaw' for the run to the finish, crossing the line after three and half hours racing, a mere 14 seconds ahead. 'Scarlett Runner', finished third, 3 minutes latter. 'Hasta la Vista' (David Phillips), never recovered from overlaying R2, finishing a distance 4th.
In the mixed IRC handicap results, 'Challenge' is currently 3rd overall in fleet and 'Sierra Chainsaw' 6th with two races to sail in the series.
by Rowan Simpson - Secretary, Southern Chapter 
Devonport, TAS
