Godzilla Roars to Victory in Light-Wind Tactical Test

DYSC Marine Suppplies Winter Series Race 3 Wrap-Up

After a gale warning just two weeks ago, Race 3 of the DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series brought a very different kind of challenge—barely-there breezes and a constantly shifting forecast. Throughout the week, the models couldn’t agree: some predicted a light southerly, others a soft north-westerly. One thing was certain—the best chance of wind was likely further south in the bay, near Sandringham.

With that in mind, Race Committee designed a shorter triangular course looping three times through the Sandringham marks. It was a tactical call made late Friday—and it paid off.

Stealth talking tactics from Robert Hughes

It was a still and uncertain start to Saturday, with barely a leaf flittering. But an early wind reading brought cautious optimism, and signs of breeze began to appear as th committee arrived at Brighton.

Thanks to seamless coordination with the Port of Melbourne Race Management Team—Sue, Mary Ellis, Bronwin, Marty, Paul, and Mark—the fleet was led down the bay. After a short AP postponement, were relocated to a patch of wind off Sandringham, set a fresh start line, and got the fleet away.

With a 30-degree wind shift shortly after the start, crews were tested from the outset. Salt, with its taller rig, took early advantage, while a tight tactical battle unfolded between Godzilla, Ginan, and Surprise.

Arcardia, Schuss and Trigger below Surprise. Photo by James Russell.

The triangular course kept things exciting. Code Zeros, asymmetric kites, and sharp crew work all played a role in separating the fleet. With breeze slowly building and clocking west, positioning and timing became everything.

Godzilla’s trimmer and tactician, Fletcher Johnson, summed it up:

“It was a challenging but rewarding day on the water. Most of the race was sailed in 6–8 knots of pressure, and we managed a max boat speed of 7 knots on one of the reaches. The triangular course layout was a fun change of pace and kept us busy with plenty of sail changes and peels—our bowman well and truly earned his stripes today. Godzilla thrives in light conditions, so we did our best to take full advantage, staying sharp and focused to keep her moving through the lulls.”

Strong performances from Godzilla, Surprise, and Ginan have defined this year’s Winter Series—and with just one race remaining, all eyes are on Blairgowrie to see who will claim the top spot.

 See below the race results summary for full results go to www.orcv.org.au/results/2024-25/2025MWS/series.htm?ty=51857

Race 3 Results Summary

• Ginan (M111): Took out Line Honours, plus AMS & ORC Division 1 wins
• Godzilla (R111): Dominated Division 2, winning AMS, ORC, and Monohull PHS
• Salt (SM8699): Won Monohull PHS Division 1
• Stealth (R7158): Topped the Double-Handed PHS category
• Ginan (M111) crossed first at 13:41:09

 Godzilla impressively led in all three major overall divisions with strong performances from Ginan, Surprise, Onyx, and Stealth

• AMS Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Ginan (M111)
  3rd – Surprise (SM63)
• ORC Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Surprise (SM63)
  3rd – Ginan (M111)
• PHS Overall
  1st – Godzilla (R111)
  2nd – Onyx (H35)
  3rd – Stealth (R7158)

Melissa Warren/ORCV Media