Sydney-based sailor, Peter Sorensen, has taken the lead in the 2008 Audi IRC Australian Championship, following his outstanding performance with yacht, Philosopher’s Club at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta 2008 held over the weekend at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

A member of the host venue, Sorensen and his crew of mainly skiff sailors finished a solid seven points clear of their nearest rival in IRC Division 3.

Sorenson has now set the Audi Q7 major prize as his clear goal for the national series, which is endorsed by Yachting Australia.

“As I said in Geelong after winning Division 2 in the Audi IRC Series, I really like the new Q7 and I want to win it. Winning this weekend is moving me closer to my goal,” Sorensen said.

“I spent some of my superannuation to buy this new Sydney 36CR in December, and I certainly hope it helps me to win!”

Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, presented Sorensen with the Orange Leader flag at the official prizegiving on Monday 3 March at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

As is custom, Sorensen will now hoist the flag on Philosopher’s Club at the upcoming Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race in July.

A decorated skiff and sports boat sailor, Sorensen won Division 2 of the Audi Series at Skandia Geelong Week in January, the first round of the Audi IRC Championship. At that stage he was co-leader of the Championship with CYCA member Quest (Bob Steel), the winner of Division 1 in Geelong.

Steel also contested the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta but due to gear failure on day 1 he retired and dropped down the leaderboard.

It’s not all over yet though – there are two more events before the winner is announced – the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race (CYCA) in late July and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (HIYC) in August.