Race Five of the Audi Winter Series 2009 commenced in 10-15 knots of easterly breeze with a full course being sailed on course B.  The rain clouds held off for most of the afternoon, only providing a light shower or two and the breeze was the most consistent yet of the Audi Winter Series.  A fleet of 137 yachts took to the start line for a very enjoyable winter’s day sailing.

With the first day of winter on the horizon, sailors experienced temperatures that were a little lower than previous weeks and it was a nice clear start with no rain.  PRO John Hurley commented on the day’s racing “The fleet experienced one of the best beats possible in the easterly breeze that they could have hoped for. The breeze was consistent throughout the day, which meant some boats finished relatively early and in most divisions there was not a lot of time difference between the place getters.”

“It was a nice course, in favourable conditions, on an almost perfect winter’s day” added John.

In Division B, John Cameron’s More Witchcraft finished first with Murray Owen & Jenny King’s Mahligai second and James Neill’s The Crone of Silence third.

“It was a hard race for us today.  Our crew work was fantastic with five of the original crew onboard plus some extras that we picked up at the CYCA before the start,” said More Witchcraft’s John Cameron

“It was our day for it today – the boat had a clean bottom and we kept away from everyone and came up with the win,” concluded John.

For second place Mahligai, owned by Murray Owen & Jenny King “Today was one of the first races that had the fullest breezes throughout the entire race.  It was a nice day with good breeze and everyone had a lot of fun,” said Murray.

In Division J, Arthur Lane’s Inkonkoni finished first, with Niel Burling’s Baltic Lady second and Shaaron Walsh’s Trim third.

“It was a very enjoyable afternoon sail on Sydney Harbour. There were a large number of boats of the harbour and there were no incidences with everyone obeying the racing rules,” said Niel Burling.

“We had two ladies join our crew this week, which added an extra bit of style to our crew and the pleasant sailing conditions.”

In Division K, Patrick & Rob Easton’s In Cahoots finished first, with Herman Heiligers’ Hubcap II second and Phillip Denison’s Gusto third.

Other division winners included Michael Cranitch’s Broomstick (Division A), Howard Elliott’s Gaia (Division C), Chris Hancock’s Vino (Division D), Barry & Jeremy Crook’s Devil’s Lair (Division E), Martin Sheppard’s True Colours (Division F), The Felice Syndicate’s Iluka (Division G), Jason Klaas’ The Holy Grale (Division H), and Geoff Bonus’ Calibre (Sydney 38OD).

For Full divisional results please log on to https://www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/2009/club/aws09/05RGrp1.htm

For Sydney 38 One Design results please log on to https://www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/2009/club/awss38/05RGrp2.htm
By Jennifer Crooks