As dawn broke over the Derwent Rivert his morning it was clear that the Elizabeth Street pier had some new arrivals.

Yesterday eXtasea took Line Honours at 18:41:45 an elapsed time of 2 days, 3 hours 41 minutes they provisionally are the winners of IRC handicap.  They were followed by Tevake II at 19:34:57, Angus Fletcher had a blinder of a race particularly through the second half, and provisionally they have won both AMS and PHS handicap divisions.

During the night these boats were joined by Laurie Fords Spirit of Downunder at 02:33:57 it was a very quiet dock but the crew were grateful for the cold beer and warm pies that arrived no matter the time.  In the clear cold dawn Richard McGarvie steered his boat Addiction into dock at 05:28:36, as one of the smaller boats in the combined Hobart fleet they were a little surprised to find themselves so close to the front of the docking line.  With none of the East Coast fleet yet into Hobart the West Coasters are enjoying the bragging rights order of docking.

Alien, skippered by Justin Brenan arrived across the line at 06:05:44 and have just docked.  Seduction, Whistler and Yoko are all expected later this morning Mika who had retired yesterday are safely in harbour at Stanley.

The experienced campaigners are describing this West Coaster as one of the toughest ever as they battled the Gale Force winds and larger than expected swells.  It has certainly created some good business for the sail makers.  eXtasea’s mainsail had an odd look from a distance as they came up the Derwent as we got closer it was clear that there was daylight through the sail.  Buchholz and his crew had managed to nurse the sail to the finish but it may not be long for this world.  The litany continues whether it be a spinnaker, head sail or main it is unlikely that any of the fleet have been left unaffected.

As the morning continues we await the first of the finishers in the East Coast race, Ray Shaw’s XLR8 continues to lead the fleet and it has been a slow trip.  With a westerly wind they will have to beat all the way to the finish which is not expected until early afternoon.

The fleet is spread out down the coast the biggest change being that Cartouche has overtaken Merlion.  Merlion currently leads on IRC handicap and Escapade which is not expected until late tonight currently lead on AMS handicap.

Blue Chip have retired with electrical issues into Binalong Bay all aboard are doing fine.

Jennifer McGuigan