A classic Sydney summer’s day greeted competitors for the 2025 Australia Day City of Sydney Cup – Botany Bay Race on Sunday January 26.
Relatively light south-easterly conditions made it a tricky 1000hrs race start for the 22-boats entered in the race. Those who weren’t buried under the fleet at the pin end of the start line near Nielson Park were able to navigate the tight reach to South Head in clear air. The fleet then dropped additional sails (spinnakers and code zeros) as they turned right, for an upwind leg, with one or two tacks at most, en route for the mark off Botany Bay in around 12-knots of breeze.
First Light on track to Botany Bay. Image: CYCA | DH
The 52s, Smuggler and First Light, were the first to round the mark and deploy their reaching sails for the leg to the Watsons Bay finish line. It was a tight reach for those who chose to fly a spinnaker, as the wind continued to clock more to the east.
David Aylward, skipper of the Beneteau First 36.7 My Way, reflected on their sail selection for the day: “Our choices are not as vast as many others but we were able to make good use of our J1 and A1.”
CYCA boats dominated the Overall results (on PHS), with Aylward’s My Way in first place, followed by Peter White’s First Light and Sebastian Bohm’s Smuggler in third. Fourth place went to the first Double Handed yacht on PHS, Shane Connelly’s J/99 Rum Rebellion.
Rum Rebellion leads a group of yachts out of the harbour. Image: CYCA | DH
Aylward was “delighted” with the win.
“It was just an amazing day to be on the water, plus we knew we would likely be able to keep the boat going well in those conditions,” the CYCA sailor said. “We had a great crew and a fun day out that was all the better for getting the win. It was great to have a few of the big boats mixing it with us clubbies [club sailors].
“It was a terrific atmosphere back at the CYCA. When we realised we got the win, we got thirsty all over again.”
Overall Results:
1 My Way (Beneteau First 36.7) – David Aylward
2 First Light (TP52) – Peter White
3 Smuggler (JV TP52) – Sebastian Bohm
