9:48 PM Mon 27 Oct 2008 GMT
The final day of the Sydney 47 Regatta wrapped up in a fantastic 15 to 20 knot northeaster on Sydney Harbour. Nick Bartels and crew on Terra Firma proved their dominance over the regatta by winning all three races of the day. With wins of 30 seconds to a minute on IRC handicap, Terra Firma finished ahead of the rest of the fleet, who mixed it up all day, with Paul Clitheroe's team on Balance deservedly placing second overall ahead of John Balderstone's Jem in third.
Racing is always tight in any one design regatta, and the Sydney 47's were no exception. The boats were neck and neck at every mark rounding, with crew work and tactics deciding the final places the races. With the Sydney boats ganging up on Terra Firma at the starts, the Terra Firma team were able to sail into clear air and dictate the fleet within the first beat, and then sail away to victory in all three races. St Jude, Endorfin and Jem were all packed together throughout the day, with Balance ahead of them to hold onto second place.
Results:
Terra Firma Nick Bartels 4-1-1-1-1 1st
Balance Paul Clitheroe 3-2-2-2-2 2nd
Jem John Balderstone 1-3-3-4-3 3rd
Endorfin Peter Mooney 1-4-4-5-5 4th
St Jude Noel Cornish 5-5-5-3-4 5th
The regatta would not of happened without the support of the owners and our sponsors SLAM, Sydney Yachts, North Sails, Rag & Famish Hotel and Ullman Sails for their generous prizes. Everybody is looking forward to next year's regatta after a fantastic weekend sailing.
by Bradshaw Kellett
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Double Is Pt, QLD
