An impressive fleet showed up on a spectacular day on Sydney Harbour for Race 1 of CYCA’s LGT Crestone Winter Series.

A lack of wind didn’t deter the 92 yachts that made their way round the Sydney Harbour race course on Sunday 4 May, at an almost glacial pace at times.

A light day on Sydney Harbour. Credit – David Hislop 

But the wind strength was just enough for the fleet to make it around the course, which was later shortened, just in time for the sailors to make it back to the club for a chilled Sunday May afternoon at the CYCA, accompanied by live music and beers on the deck.

Yesterday’s race was prime conditions for Matt Wilkinson’s light weight Farr 30 Foreign Affair, which won its division on PHS and IRC.

The fleet making their way to the start line. Credit – David Hislop 

“It was a very light and difficult day, even by [LGT Crestone] Winter Series standards!” Wilkinson said. “We love the series and have been doing it for many years. You get to race all sorts of boats and make lots of friends along the way.

“Fortunately, I have a very good boat and a great crew so we managed to keep moving most of the time even though the wind was mostly under five knots.

A slow race start. Credit – David Hislop 

“The introduction of IRC scoring is a very good development and we were particularly pleased with how we went.

“A bit of luck always helps too!”

A gentle breeze for a spinnaker reach. Credit – David Hislop 

Andy Offord’s Jeanneau Sunfast 3300 Borderline also won its division on PHS and IRC.

“It was great to get a win in the light airs, as our boat is quite wide and made for offshore sailing,” Offord said.

Children’s Medical Research Institute – The Breakthrough Sprint Regatta

Ten yachts participated in the Breakthrough Sprint Regatta, which was held as part of Race 1 of the LGT Crestone Winter Series.

The purpose of the regatta was to celebrate the exceptional contributions of some of Australia’s leading medical researchers based at the Westmead Health Precinct.

Winners! Credit – David Hislop 

Congratulations to the researches on board Lee Hawksley’s Andiamo which won the event.

To auction on artwork by Suzanne Kelleher to support the work of the Children’s Medial Research Institute, please see: https://app.galabid.com/cmriauction/items

LGT Crestone Winter Series Results (PHS)

DIVISON A

1. Seeking Alpha – David Hamilton
2. Nizam – David Currie
3. Another Duchess – David Fuller

DIVISION B

1. Foreign Affair – Matt Wilkinson
2. Ultime – Iain Murray
3. Jambo – Robert Carr & Stephanie Cook

DIVISION C

1. Borderline – Andy Offord
2. Clewless – Lachlan Irwin
3. Crystal Cutter III – Charles Parry-Okeden

DIVISION D

1. Zara – John Griffin
2. Wild Oats – Stuart Byrne
3. Silver Lining – Stuart Muirhead

Divisional winner Zara. Credit – David Hislop 

DIVISION E

1. Sumatra – Shane Diethelm
2. Cool Runnings – Mikhail Tokarczyk
3. Rapid Transit – Andrew Wyllie, Beth Abbott & Michael McLean

DIVISION I

1. Forty – Michael OBrien
2. Outlaw – Alan & Tom Quick
3. More Witchcraft – Terry Wise

DIVISION J

1. Oisin – Steven London & Derek Hand
2. Rambler – Justin Lynch
3. Baltic Lady – Neil Burling

Baltic Lady. Credit – David Hislop 

DIVISION K

1. Privateer – Raymond Golzar
2. Addiction – David Eastwood
3. First Light – David Jacobs & Roy Melick

SYDNEY 38

1. Chainsaw – John Amos
2. Advanced Philosophy – Peter Sorensen
3. Gusto – Col Gunn & Jack Stening