A late rush of entries on the closing day for paperwork has seen the second Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race fleet climb to 26. The Audi Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race marks the close of the prestigious Blue Water Pointscore Series.
“With a fleet of 26 leaving Sydney Harbour at noon on Friday 27 March from the start line just off Nielsen Park, the race will be on to find the CYCA’s Blue Water Champion for 2008-2009,” said Garry Linacre, Vice Commodore and Chairman of the Sailing Committee.
After the completion of six races in the Bluewater pointscore, David Beaks Mr Beak’s Ribs currently leads the Blue Water Pointscore on 16 points, 3 points clear of Ed Psaltis & Bob Thomas’ AFR Midnight Rambler in second on 19 points, with the reigning Blue Water Champion Syd Fisher’s Ragamuffin a further two points behind on 21 points.
“The finish of the Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race will for some mark the end of an almost eight month campaign in the CYCA’s Blue Water Pointscore, whilst others will be happy to be sailing to their home ports. Celebrations will take place at the Newcastle Yacht Club, the race finishing partner, at their stunning new clubhouse and marina,” Linacre added.
Andrew Short’s ASM Shockwave 5 is the largest entry at 24.4 metres while Dennis Cooper’s Sydney 36CR Amante is the smallest at 10.97 metres.
Also among the smaller boats is Anthony Patterson’s Tow Truck which completed its first Rolex Sydney Hobart last December and winning IRC Division 3. The Tow Truck boys will sail for Lake Macquarie Yacht Club in the 213 nautical mile Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race. After starting just off Nielsen Park, the fleet will head to a laid mark around 20 nautical miles south east of Crowdy Head then back to Newcastle for the finish between the Queens Wharf Brewery and Stockton Ferry Wharf.
For a list of yachts entered in the Audi Sydney Offshore Newcastle Yacht Race and to follow the fleet’s progress via Yacht Tracker following the noon start, go to the official race site https://sydneynewcastle.cyca.com.au
