CYCA Member Alan Brierty and his crew on Limit have won the NSW IRC Championship at Sail Port Stephens 2008– collecting the silverware from the Race Committee, and the champagne from fellow competitor, Patrice Six.
The Corby 49, owned by Alan Brierty (AB) was a solid contender for the title coming into the regatta, and they worked hard and smart for their 5 bullets and a bridesmaid to finish with 7 points.
Patrice Six finished in 2nd spot on 15.5 points and Bushranger took 3rd place with 19 points.
Late last month, the owners of Limit and Patrice Six laid down the gauntlet to each other, betting, at that stage, a case of champagne on whoever ended up first overall between the two of them.
Over the course of this week, the final wager has shifted from a case of Moet to a case of Yellowglen, but was eventually settled with a magnum of the French bubbly last night.
AB flew in from the West Coast on Wednesday evening, with his sights firmly set on a few things – winning and having a good time doing it.
At the presentation on 27 April, he praised the efforts of all his crew and felt that they were all very privileged to have been part of the event in its first year.
“We’ve had an absolutely sensational time – the race management, under Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson has been fantastic – we came here to race, and every aspect of the way it has been run has been top class “he said. And the social fun got a huge wrap as well.
“Everything we’ve gone to, from the SLAM Beach Party at Shoal Bay Resort to the Pirate night at the Diggers, has been just a great time, and because this spot is already a regular tourist destination – there’s plenty of great places already set up for us to eat and drink at – so you don’t feel as though they’re hiking up their prices just because there’s an event on “he said.
“It’s just a magic spot for a regatta!“ AB said.
Limit’s Sailing Master Roger Hickman agreed, commenting that the absence of negative comments from fellow competitors was noticeable. He said over the duration of the 6 race IRC Championship, there wasn’t one complaint from any boat about the track placement, which bodes well for attracting a larger fleet to the event in 2009.
For full results go to www.topyachtsoftware.com/results/2008/sps/index.htm – Jody Ellem
