Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta - Overall
by Di Pearson 5 Mar 2006 10:13 GMT
Driving down a wave during the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta © Andrea Francolini / Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta
Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta comes to a close
It was music, food and laughter as competitors came ashore following their final race of the inaugural Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta sailed on Sydney Harbour over the weekend.
Only the Sydney 38’s have races remaining in their National series, which will finish off Sydney Heads tomorrow afternoon.
All agreed that the Middle Harbour Yacht Club, conceptors and organisers of the Regatta, had done a brilliant job in putting together what most described as “a fantastic way to end racing for the summer.”
Middle Harbour officials were not only happy with the success of the first year, but some also with their competition today. Ian Box, Middle Harbour YC Commodore was one.
He had a much better day on the race track today; in Race 5, he got off the start line fast and tacked straight onto a lift. Twice leading around the windward mark on the windward leeward course. “Yes, we had a much better day and we’re happy about that.”
Commenting on the regatta, the Commodore said: “As a first year event the organisation has gone exceptionally well and is a credit to the organisers at the Club. Support from the participating clubs has been outstanding and the weather has been kind – although more breeze would have been good.
Those clubs are: Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Manly Yacht Club, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club and RANSA.
“Audi as a sponsor has been spectacular. Their representatives here having been learning about racing and enjoyed their weekend on the water. I expect a number of their guests will be turned on to sailing; they got the opportunity of watching racing close to the action.”
Competitors agreed. Annette Hawthorn, co-owner of Imagination, which finished second overall in PHS Division 1 commented: “We had a fabulous time. It was a wonderful regatta – very smoothly run. It was well organised and a perfect end to summer.”
While John Sturrock, third placegetter of the Classic division with his beautiful yacht Eudoria, had this to say: “The Regatta has been great – it’s just a pity there weren’t more classic yachts out there – probably next year. I like the concept though – I’m all for it. It just needs more time to get established, but it was a very good turn out for the first time.”
The winner of IRC Division 2, Michael Spies said: “The Regatta is a great concept – no doubt about it. I’m sure it will grow to be something special.” He attributed his win to “a pretty solid crew, I had quite a few of the Tasmanians that helped me win Sailing South Week in Hobart this year.”
Nicky Bethwaite, Karyn Gojnich and Helen Impey were thrilled with their Yngling win and even more excited about winning the Audi. “We’re trying to work out how to carve into three pieces though.” They are the only females amongst the winners.
Of the Regatta, Bethwaite said: “I think it’s fantastic – and the Audi car has created a huge buzz. We couldn’t be here for the announcement last night - we were just told and think that’s a great idea. Now we have to decide which two of the three of us gets to go and drive it.”
Two competitors from each of the winning boats from the 17 divisions will have to meet Audi representatives at a location to be announced and will be put through their paces in an Audi – and may the best man, or woman, win.
Whilst racing was conducted under sunny skies today, conditions were difficult on some courses. With a very light east-south-easterly breezes, it did get tough for the Sydney 38’s contesting their National title just off Sydney Heads and for the IRC classes just inside the Heads.
“The weekend was a good result for the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta,” said Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s Regatta Sailing Director, John Hurley, commenting on the racing. “A waffling High produced light and shifty south-easterly winds on Sydney Harbour.”
“Competition was excellent and it was close on all courses across the board. Although there was six course areas, again congestion was minimal,” he said commenting favourably on the quality of race management and competitors over the weekend.
Top Three Results: (subject to protest)
IRC 1:
Wild Oats X – Bob Oatley
Shogun – Robert Hanna
Loki – Stephen Ainsworth
IRC 2:
Sirromet Lifestyle Wine – Michael Spies/David Beak
Honeysuckle – Ray Harris
Nips-N-Tux – Howard De Torres
IRC 3:
Cloud IX – Howard Piggott
Farrout Edake – Jeff Carter
This Way Up – Ray Carless
PHS 1:
Viva La Vita – Tony Bates
Imagination – Robin & Annette Hawthorn
Good Form – Joachim Fluhrer
PHS 2:
Esoteric – Chris Thorpe
Out of Sight – Matt Wilkinson
Disko Trooper – Jules Hall
PHS 3:
Zin Zin – Greg Kearns
Short Circuit – Guy Stening
Slips – Stephen Churm
PHS 4:
Bar-celona – Marco Tapia
Clewless – Guy Irwin
The Grooves – Michael Stovin-Bradford
Classic:
Carinya IV – Jim Nixon
Redpa - Peter Scott
Eudoria – John Sturrock
Sports 30:
London Calling – Stuart Bancroft
Obsession II – Neil & Bruce Tavener
Diana - Philip Grove
Dragon:
Whim – Gordon Ingate
Wizzardry – Anthony Armstrong
Isis – Wolf Breit
Etchells:
Dot – Matt Whitnall
Bold Eagle – John Dunn
Feathers Chalkbeans – Michael Jones
J24:
Kaotic – Hugo Ottoway
Innaminicka – John Crawford
Ace – David West
Yngling:
Got a Inkling - Nicky Bethwaite
Good Question – Neville Wittey
Pourquoi – Hamish Jarrett
Sydney 32:
If – Martin & Anna Cross
Reality – John Groves
Jester – Dave & Zorana Bull
Cavalier 28:
Trickerie Bay – Scott Lamb & Bruce Bowden
Dancelot – Richard Pearse
Scuttlebutt – Greg Purcell
Adams 10:
Contentiious – Brian Lees
Boxer – Paul Henke
Eve’s Delight – Lindsay Rose
More Information: