18 May 2010
By Peter Campbell
The late arrival in Sydney Harbour last Saturday of Jessica Watson at the end of her round-the-world voyage may have kept the Prime Minister cooling his heels for three hours at the Opera House, but it proved beneficial for yachts competing in the Squadron Winter Series race.
Jessica in her S&S 34 Pink Lady had been due to arrive at the Heads at 11.30am and at the Man o’ War Steps at 12 noon. With the large welcoming fleet still milling around near the Heads, RSYS race officers were able to set a clear course for the 12 noon race start.
With a fresh sou’wester blowing, the racing was over by 14:15 for all three divsions.
The good breeze was a welcome change, too, after two Saturdays of frustratingly light winds. Whereas the first boats to finish had dominated the top placings in the first two races, results were quite different this Saturday.
In Division 1, Jonathan and Mary Threlfall’s Campeador finished seventh across the line but won on handicap from eighth placed Willyama, skippered by Trish Stanley. In third place was One O Nine (Robert Salteri & Geoff White) which was fourth to finish, line honours going to Matrix (Andrew Parkes & G Smith).
Matrix took IRC honours from Euphoria (Tony Coleman) with Great Xpectations (Rod Wills) third.
In Division 2, Catnapa (Geoff & Hamish Jarrett) finished second in fleet and first on corrected time, from Senta (Terry & Julie Clarke) and Wyandot (Bryan Riddell).
The Non-Spinnaker Division certainly enjoyed the fresher breeze, with Crackajack (Chris Harper & Dennis Galvin) leading the fleet around the course but this time having to be content with second on handicap. Winner was Ostara (Donohue/Kennedy/Richard/Smith) while in third place was Azzura (Michael Easton).
From Peter Campbell
M: 0419 385 028 E: peter_campbell@bigpond.com
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