Breezy and “blustery” conditions challenged the 22-yachts that competed in yesterday’s Network Marine Insurance Monday Twilight race – the third last race of the 2024/25 series.

Sumatra won on PHS in Division 2. Credit – Eric Blake

According to Karl Onslow, owner and skipper of the Hanse 505 Ciao Bella, the Sydney Harbour course experienced SSW winds, with gusts ranging from seven to 30-knots.

Ciao Bella placed first on PHS in Division 1. This was “unexpected” for Onslow, as it marked his first race back since the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in December.

The heavier wind conditions perfectly suited all 18-tonnes of Ciao Bella, “the heaviest boat in the [twilight] fleet by far” according to Onslow.

Onslow credits the win to the crew’s ability to keep the yacht out of the wind holes. They also opted for no spinnaker on the downwind legs, instead goose winging the jib.

“We got downwind in good speed with no gybes,” Onslow said. “We managed to have a hold on all the other boats around us.

“It was a good race for us and good to race in tricky conditions.”

Local Hero and Shine On – Team Callendina. Credit – Eric Blake

In second place was Eric Frank’s GS44 Bliss, followed by David Davies’ BH 36 Local Hero in third. Local Hero also placed first on IRC in Division 1.

Local Hero has had a stellar series so far. The yacht leads the Overall Pointscore Standings on PHS in Division 1 with just two-races to go.

Shane Diethelm’s Etchells Sumatra placed first on PHS in Division 2, followed by Chris Antico’s JB Jones Couta Sea Rover in second place and Robert Skol’s International 30 Square Metre Scarlett O’Hara in third.

John Anet’s Archambault 31 Precision currently leads the Overall Pointscore Standings on PHS in Division 2.

Tight competition in yesterday’s twilight race. Credit – Eric Blake

Darryl Hodgkinson’s Carkeek 40 Victoire placed first on scratch, ahead of Noel Cornish’s Farr 40 Indi in second place and Eric Frank’s GS44 Bliss in third.

The last race of the series is schedule for March 17.