Many CYCA Members have enjoyed a bright start to Airlie Beach Race Week in the Whitsundays.

Two races have been completed, with racing abandoned on Day 2 due to the light breeze and competitors enjoying a lay day on Monday.

Ray Roberts’ Botin 40 Team Hollywood leads the way in IRC Division 1 with a 100 per cent record, winning Races 1 and 3.

“I am very happy to have both wins,” Roberts told ABRW Media after Day 3. “The boat is well prepared and is going well. The crew is a little underprepared as we haven’t been sailing much because of COVID.

“Having to race against TP52s really tests us. We have to sail pretty well to get in front of them on handicap. We thought we’d started early today. We went back and re-started, so I thought we did well to win.

“I’m putting our tactician David Chapman on the bow from Tuesday – the two boats ahead of us were over early and we thought we were, but I’m not so sure.

“I don’t have my head around who’s better. I only know you have to get tide right and today’s tide was tricky. Boats approached it differently; some went well, some didn’t. You have to keep your mind on the wind and the current, and make the best choices regarding the tide.”

Regional Member Anthony Kirke has Enterprise Next Generation in second place, two points adrift, thanks to consecutive podium finishes.

Gordon Ketelbey’s TP52 Zen is in third on the overall pointscore standings, while KOA (Andy Kearnan and Peter Wrigley) is fourth and James Irvine’s Rogers 46 Mayfair sits in sixth place.

Peter Sorensen’s Advanced Philosophy is fourth in IRC Division 2.

John Clinton’s Beneteau Oceanis 50 Holy Cow leads Performance Cruising Division 2 (PHS), thanks to a win in Race 1 and third-place finish in Race 3.

Helsal 3 (Paul Mara) is tied for second in Performance Cruising Division 1, which also features Ian Edwards’ Dehler 46 Wings.

Andrew York’s Reo 7.7 REO Speedwagon is competing in the busiest division – Trailable Yachts Division 1 – and currently sits in 15th overall.