RACE TO GERALDTON
Friday evening’s briefing was full of optimism. Computer models, weather forecasts and routing programs all pointed to the possibility of a new race record, a sixteen-hour race being on the cards for Craig Carter’s Indian.
Weather at the start was just as forecast – a gentle south easterly swinging through the south and later introducing some west into the mix. The trough that should have moved eastward to allow stronger south westerlies however, stubbornly hung around and wind strength was way below expectations.
Fourteen race yachts enjoyed a champagne sail over the 221-mile course. Indian, with Paul Eldrid in charge in Craig Carter’s absence, carved out the trip in a little over 22 hours, followed by Dirty Deeds and Weapon of Choice, which covered a heap of distance in chasing the best angles to maintain boat speed.
It was an outstanding performance by Indian, to take out the IRC/PHS handicap double to add to her line honours win.
Chris Higham should be delighted with his experimental youth crew after Argo placed second on IRC behind Indian, and third on PHS. A very promising start for the youth crew concept.
Dave Davenport’s Crush won Division 2 ahead of Simon Torvaldsen’s Atomic Blonde. Although quite different in design, these two are very similar in performance terms and share close IRC ratings. The two did battle all the way to Geraldton, finishing just five minutes apart.
Right now yachts are competing in the Lobster Pot series on Champion Bay. Presentations will be held in Geraldton on Thursday and the return race starts on Friday morning.
