CYCA’s own David Doherty took the win on his yacht Matador in a closely fought Act 1 of the Pallas Capital TP52Gold Cup over the ten boat fleet this past weekend. Eight competitors represented the CYCA at the event.
The tight racing, mini-battles throughout the fleet, and great tests of boat handling were the perfect start to what is set to be a hard raced Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup with just six points separating the top six boats under the TP Rating (TPR) rule.
“It has come so far, just from the three years I have been involved. And a boat that’s last in one race might be third in the next one, and it’s just really compressed the field, it’s really good”, said Doherty of the TPR racing.
Australia and USA have both adopted the TPR rule. The main goals of the TPR rule are to level the playing field and bring the field closer together. As a result, TP52 racings fleets have increased in size, and the teams have reduced their pros and increased their youth sailors, and some teams have added one pro with the free allowance, which ultimately improves their performance.
“All pros are also encouraged to share with the group to help the whole fleet improve”, said Class Captain Terry Wetton. “First Light was a whole leg behind when he first started. Now he’s in the mix”.
Racing on Saturday 16 March joined with the Club Marine Short Ocean Pointscore in the race down to Port Hacking.
The 36 nautical-mile passage race saw the fleet split as some yachts opted to hug the shoreline and other racers sailing a wider course. Ultimately, Matador won out with a wider approach, placing the yacht in good standing leading into Day 2.
Sunday 17 March had competitors racing in windward-leewards in Sydney Harbour after a lengthy postponement waiting for the breeze.
There is plenty more to come for the four-act Pallas Capital TP52 Gold Cup, with Act 2 part of SailFest Newcastle and the IRC National Championship 5-7 April, then Act 3 as part of Sail Port Stephens and the IRC State Championship 19-21 April, with the final Act 4, to be sailed in Pittwater from the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club on 18-19 May 2024.
Thank you to sponsors Pallas Capital and Zhik for their support.
Overall Pointscore Standings:
- Matador – David Doherty – CYCA
- KOA – Andrew Kearnan – CYCA
- Quest – Craig Neil – CYCA
For the full results, click here
