Seb Bohm’s TP52 Smuggler stormed to victory in the Bass Island Race, the opening race of the 2022 Summer Offshore Series.

Seven boats were on the start line in Sydney Harbour for the 90 nautical mile race, with a 20-25 knot squall providing an early challenge.

Mark Ayto’s BH36 Local Hero – co-skippered by Anto Sweetapple – was the only two-handed boat in the fleet and was forced to retire shortly after the start due to gear failure.

Smuggler led from the outset and flew home in a 20-25kt SSE to claim victory over the line and on all three handicaps – IRC, PHS and ORCi.

Finishing in a time of 7 hours, 57 minutes and 45 seconds, Smuggler was more than four hours clear of her nearest challenger.

Mark Gorbatov’s Beneteau First 40, Blink, was second across the line for third place on IRC, with Kim Jaggar’s Sydney 38 Cinquante just four minutes behind to finish third on PHS.

David Henry’s Sydney 36 Philosopher recovered well after a mishap at the start to finish second on IRC.

Wild Oats (Marc Skjellerup) and Reve (Kevin Whelan) ensured a grandstand finish to the race as midnight approached.

Wild Oats finished just eight seconds ahead of Reve across the line!

The second race in the three-race Summer Offshore Series is a 100 nautical mile Virtual Mark Race on Saturday 19 February, followed by the Montague Island Race on Friday 18 March.

David Griffith’s JV62 Whisper and Jules Hall’s two-handed Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth are among those expected to begin their campaigns with the Virtual Mark Race.