The start was delayed for ten minutes by commercial traffic through the heads, by which point a 17-18 knot southerly breeze had blown in to get the race off to a start. It quickly dissipated to around ten knots and the whole fleet tacked west, hoping to run into the predicted stronger southeasterlies closer to Tasmania, to bring them to the finish.
The report from the committee boat was they were hoping for the winds to stick around but “not holding our breath” in the otherwise pleasant conditions. Kontrol’s 2002 record was out of reach from the beginning with expectations for a slow race.
With the winds becoming more changeable as the race progressed, it was the luck of the draw as to who could find a few gusts to push them out front. At around dawn, Calm had enough hands on deck to take advantage of a burst of wind, picking up some speed as they took a turn east. Meanwhile Gusto, Local Mocean, Extasea and Dekadence took the wider route to the west.
Later in the morning, all four Benetau First 40s were lined up straight across the water, maintaining similar speeds in competition with each other, but also fighting off the likes of Addiction, Tevake II and Afrayed Knot who were sticking right on their tails.
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| The Dry White crew were all smiles across the Strait |
By the afternoon the fleet had spread out with all boats sticking closer to the rhumbline, trying to rustle up some speed as winds weakened to below five knots. The competition at the rear of the fleet was fierce as five boats – Dejavu, Magic, Cavarlo, Independent Endeavour and Morning Star – were clawing it out a stone’s throw from each other, even as the head of the fleet was crossing the line. As the pack passed east of King Island, Independent Endeavour pushed briskly ahead through winds bolstering up to 15 knots, and grabbed the momentum to finish ahead of Trybooking and Magazan 53.
All crews arrived before 7.30 on Sunday morning and were enthusiastic to partake in the delicious breakfast put on by the Smithton Lions Club team (after a few drinks for the early arrivals I’m sure). Special thanks to the Lions Club and the Stanley Caravan Park for offering their shower facilities for use by crew. Small comforts that are much appreciated after the race. And thanks to the homeward bound winds, which were blowing the right way for everyone to get back to Melbourne!
Full race results are available on the ORCV results page. Results of the crayfish auction have yet to come through.
Any fun photos or stories from during the race can be shared on the ORCV Facebook page or tweet us @OceanRacingClub. We’re happy to hear from you at
