On Sunday, the Audi Winter Series 2008 was officially opened with the running of the Great Veterans Race and Ladies Day Race.
With dark clouds overhead and south easterly breezes swirling as the race marks were laid, some prepared for a stormy race. But as the start time neared the sun shone and the winds began to fluctuate.
Today’s race was the start of a new starting procedure which gives the race committee the opportunity to postpone the race (if required) to wait for the breeze to fill in and allows for each yacht to have a start number rather than a specified start time.
Eleven yachts started for the Great Veterans Race all vying for the Windward Trophy. Nerida, skippered by Sir James Hardy, was welcomed warmly back to the water, after her unfortunate sinking in 2007. The conditions allowed for Nerida to sail under her jack-yard sail and have a wonderful day on water.
Fidelis, skippered by Nigel Stoke, won the Great Veterans Race and the Windward trophy, with second place going to Syonara, skippered Greg Maughan and Caprice of Huon skippered by David Champtaloup, third.
“It was fabulous to see a large fleet of 73 yachts take the water on a fine day with moderate but fluctuating south easterly breezes, which made for good fast racing,” said Justine Kirkjian, Sailing Manager.
Over 65 yachts started in the Ladies Day Race across four divisions, all vying for the Jill McLay trophy. All divisional winners will have their name engraved on the Jill McLay trophy. In Non Spinnaker Division 1, Sandy Broadhurst and her crew on Phillip’s Foote Witchdoctor placed first, with Kim Clinton at the helm of Holy Cow!, placing second and Vivienne MacMahon on Marloo placing third.
“It’s amazing what you can do with a clean bottomed boat! I have been sailing with the crew for 22 years and it’s nice to finally do well in a Ladies Day Race. The handicapper was kind to us today! I think I was the only one out on the water in full wet weather gear… so that must have kept the rain away!” said Sandy Broadhurst, Phillip’s Foote Witchdoctor.
In the Non spinnaker division 2, Jeannie Crozier skippering Anna, placed first, with Susanne Jenkins on Hornblower second and Nancy Jenkins on Salona third.
Spinnaker Division 1 saw Larissa Hyland win on Livewire, her first time skippering in a race. “It was a beautiful day out and I couldn’t have won without my wonderful crew. With a start like this I look forward to the Audi Winter Series,” said Larissa. Fiona Nolan skippering Blue Chip placed second and Amanda Scrivenor on X3 placed third. “It was nice to get some wind for the winter races! I think our new uniforms helped us go faster too!” said Amanda Scrivenor post race.
Spinnaker Division 2 saw Greengate, skippered by Gillian Russell place first, with Sine Wave skippered by Barbara Maunsell place second and The Business skippered by Dimity Carrick-Clark third.
The Audi Winter Series pointscore races commence on Sunday, 13 April, with 14 pointscore races for eight spinnaker, two non-spinnaker and a Sydney 38OD division. There are currently 140 block entries for the Audi Winter Series with more expected, and casual entries will join as the season progresses. Those wishing to be in the pointscore must block enter before race 4. – Jennifer Crooks
