The 2013 South Australian Sydney 38 State Championships was held at Port Lincoln between 18th and 21st February, 2013 following the passage race from Adelaide. The 4 Sydney 38’s in a the passage race enjoyed close racing and did well to finish 6th (Shining Sea), 9th (Mille Sabords), 10th (Asylum) (By 2 seconds ) and 12th (White Knight) in light, trying conditions. Two Victorian Sydney 38’s, Chutzpah38 and Audacious sailed direct to Port Lincoln to make a competitive fleet of 6 to contest the championship.
Day one of the series was abandoned after a 38 knot sand storm scattered the fleet mid race. Fortunately damage was minimal and all boats were able to start the next day when 3 windward races were rescheduled. Conditions had moderated but major wind shifts provided challenged crews. Race 1 was won by Shining Sea with Audacious and Chutzpah38 finishing a close one second apart. Race 2 saw the fleet split between the right and left hand side of the course. Results were a turn around of Race 1 as those who picked the 30 degree shift to the left including White Knight and Mille Sabords left the rest of the fleet in their wake. Fortunately, Chutzpah38 and Audacious recovered but Shining Sea suffered a 6th place. Race 3 saw a new leader with Chutzpah38 having a good race to hold off the surprise packet of the series White Knight.
Race 4 produced the same result with Chutzpah38 sailing conservatively to keep both White Knight and Shining Sea at bay. Covering the fleet was difficult as illustrated by Audacious which threatened by going hard right. Racing was close and it was important to lead the fleet into the next shift! No further racing was held but everyone enjoyed the Club Marine Megga’s barbeque on a secluded beach at Spalding Cove.
The final day’s racing was held in less wind building from 8 knots to 13 knots. Chutzpah38 had a good day winning all three races leaving White Knight, Shinning Sea and Audacious to fight out the minor placings. Audacious suffered from traffic in Race 5 and a penalty turn whilst White Knight continued to impress to finish the day ahead of Shining Sea. At the end of the day, Chutzpah38, with 5 first places, won the series from White Knight. (Originally raced as Transfusion) Shining Sea finished third, one point ahead of Audacious.
At the presentation at the Port Lincoln Hotel Ball Room, the Victorians were made to feel very much appreciated for supporting the Regatta. The winning skipper, Bruce Taylor, on accepting his trophy thanked the locals for their hospitality adding that in his experience, the Port Lincoln Regatta was one of the most enjoyable he had attended. Everyone was made to feel welcome and the social aspects of the regatta were a highlight. There were functions on most nights and the Sydney 38 Crew Dinner provided a great opportunity for crews to mix. The sailing on Boston Bay is similar to Corio Bay where the next Nationals are to be contested. The water is flat and the wind shifts both challenge and frustrate tacticians.
Rowan Simpson
FINAL SERIES RESULTS
1 Chutzpah38 Bruce Taylor Vic 11 points 3,3,1,1,1,1,1
2 White Knight David Knights SA 20 points 5,1,2,2,2,4,4
3 Shining Sea Andrew Corletto SA 22 points 1,6,3,3,4,3,2
4 Audacious G Clinnick/P Holden Vic 23 points 2,4,5,4,3,2,3
5 Mille Sabords Stephane Howart Vic 31 points 4,2,4,5,5,6,5
6 Asylum Derek Morrison SA 40 points 6,5,6,6,6,5,6