2015 FESTIVAL OF SAILS

An excellent fleet of  10 Sydney 38’s participated in the Festival Of Sails hosted by the Royal Geelong Yacht Club over the Australia Day weekend. The three day regatta made up of 8 windward leeward races was again highlighted by close racing, extreme weather conditions and a strong performance from the local boat, ‘Phoenix ‘ which dominated the racing.  The additional of ‘Slipknot’ from South Australia added an interstate flavour to the regatta.  The fact that we had our own race course, internationally qualified race management team and our own sponsor, Morris Finance also set us apart from the other fleets and we are grateful for those benefits.  There are very few One Design keelboat classes that can boast those standards at the local level. It was also great to see the late Lou Abrahams ‘Challenge’ competing for the first time under a new owner ship.

Day 1.

Conditions were ideal with a building sea breeze peaking at 20 knots.  With 2 first placings and a second, ‘Phoenix’ (Brenton and Jen Carnel) dominated the day with great speed, tactics and consistency. The boat looked great through the water and the crew work set the standard for the regatta.  However, ‘Audacious’, (Class President Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden) won the other race and looked threatening. ‘Sierra Chainsaw’ (Mollison family) and ‘Playground’ Andrew Robinson were also on the pace.  ‘Chutzpah38’ (Bruce Taylor) was seen during turns after running into the back of Sierra at a leeward mark! Overall, it was a very good day on the water.

In the evening, thanks to Jen Carnell, crews enjoyed a great social function at “The Edge” on the Corio Bay foreshore where crews had the opportunity to mingle and talk about the day’s racing.

Day 2

Very light conditions contributed to a general recall and different winners.  ‘Phoenix’ struggled more so in the light but ended the day with another first when the wind filled for the last race. However, in the first race of the day when the wind was light and shifting to the left, ‘Playground’ scorched the fleet with a fine win. The second race was won by ‘Chutzpah38’.  ‘Audacious’ moved up the ladder with two second places and a third.

After two days of racing, the form guide suggested that ‘Phoenix’ was best in a breeze, largely due their very strong crew work. (The crew swing harder!). ‘Playground’ was quick in the light, ‘Sierra’ was brilliant at times but lacked consistency.  ‘Audacious’ was fast and consistent and ‘Chutzpah38’ was coming to terms with some new crew!

Day 3

Whilst only two races were scheduled, this was by far the most testing racing with gusts exceeding 30 knots. After a number of postponements, one to allow ‘Slipknot’ to rerig after a broken main halyard, racing finally got away with a somewhat diminished fleet.

‘Sierra’ picked the port end and was well clear at the top mark only to broach on the downwind leg to give up the lead to ‘Chutzpah38’ .

However, ‘Audacious’ powered upwind to overtake her and to go on to win comfortably with ‘Phoenix’, after also recovering from a broach, finishing third.

The final race saw “Chutzpah38’ recalled at the start, a costly error in those conditions and ‘Phoenix’ hold off a fast finishing Sierra to make it four wins for the regatta!  The consistent ‘Audacious’ was challenged by ‘Chutzpah38’ but sailed her best series for some time to finish second overall and to take out the Corinthian Trophy. ‘Mille Sabords’ (Stephane Howard) and ‘Slipknot’ (Sebastion Bohm) did very well to finish both races close to the leaders.

With a number of  Victorian Sydney 38’s entered for the Nationals to be held at Pittwater latter this month, the regatta was a great rehearsal. ‘Phoenix’ has the form and pedigree (Ex London Tavern) to do well, ‘Audacious’ is quick and more consistent whilst ‘Chutzpah38’ has room for improvement! Great to see ‘Challenge’ (Chris Mrakas) keen to improve and gain more experience. All should represent the Southern Chapter well. It is a major effort to travel interstate so we wish all crews every success in the series.

A very big thanks to Ian Murray and his company Morris Finance for his continued sponsorship of the class, to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for accommodating our requirements and running a great regatta, to Jen Carnell for organizing the social function and to Sebastian Bohm and his Slipknot crew for making the long  journey from South Australia to support the event.

Event: Performance Boating Sydney Yachts Pittwater Regatta, February 20-22 hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club at Newport, Sydney
Victorians tuned up for Sydney 38 national titles

The Victorian Sydney 38 fleet is tuned up for the class’ upcoming national title having contested the Festival of Sails series across a full spectrum of conditions over the Australia Day long weekend.

Brenton and Jen Carnell’s Phoenix from the host Royal Geelong Yacht Club clinched the Morris Finance one design victory on the final blowy day, Sunday January 25, 2015, the perfect confidence shot for last year’s national runner-up.

Second by four points at the Festival was Sydney 38 Class Association President Greg Clinnick and co-owner of Audacious, Paul Holden, from Royal Brighton Yacht Club. Third was Bruce Taylor’s Chutzpah38 from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.
The home of one design racing on Sydney’s northern beaches, the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, is hosting the once a year showdown over three days, February 20-22, 2015, and five teams from south of the NSW border have the championship in their sights.

Greg Clinnick reckons the 14 Sydney 38s already nominated for the Grade 1 regatta could grow as high as 20, and gauging the interest from Sydney 36 owners it looks like up to five will be scored in their own division.
The Sydney 38 One Design Australian Championship falls under the overarching Performance Boating Sydney Yachts Pittwater Regatta. Sydney 36s (PHS) and Sydney 32s (PHS) plus an EHC handicap division for any other Sydney Yacht owners who wish to compete complete the box set.
Following on from this month’s ISAF Sailing World Cup, Sydney based Paralympic SKUD gold medallist Dan Fitzgibbon will transition to the helm of his Sydney 38 Another Challenge in the run up to his first crack at an Australian class crown.
Fitzgibbon’s current world cup campaign in Miami is just one of a raft of international events that takes the busy Australian Sailing Team athlete and 2012 London gold medallist far from home seeking re-qualification with his crew, Liesl Tesch, for next year’s Rio Paralympic Games.
Missing the camaraderie that comes with a larger yacht crew prompted the quadriplegic sailor to approach the RPAYC and the class association about purchasing and modifying a Sydney 38 so he and other disabled sailors could integrate into existing club racing programs.
RPAYC not only embraced the concept, they went way beyond, launching their own Integrated disAbled Sailing (IdS) program with the support of a handful of key club members.
“Disabled sailing is usually very segregated,” admits Fitzgibbon. “I train by myself and spend a lot of time overseas competing. When I got back from the last Games I realised what was missing. Growing up Bayside in Brisbane I sailed with all my friends, and then again in the 470s and other dinghies. We had a great laugh and I was missing that element.
“I approached the RPAYC about adapting a yacht and spoke to the Sydney 38 Association about fitting into the class’ one design rules with the modifications. Both were so accommodating and have to be commended for their open mindedness.”
On Another Challenge Fitzgibbon’s seat moves to windward through the tack on a roller rail and cants when the boat is tacked. There are handrails throughout and his joystick controls a ram that manoeuvres the boat.
“The Sydney 38 is a great boat for what we need, it’s stable and there’s plenty of room,” the skipper offers. “I’m loving every minute of it. It’s the best sailing I’ve ever done, without any of the pressure of the Paras. We go out every Wednesday RPAYC race and have a laugh and enjoy the camaraderie and on the weekend we train for upcoming regattas, including the nationals.”
Victoria and NSW are fielding strong state teams all vying for a rededicated championship trophy named after the much missed grandfather of Sydney 38 racing, Lou Abrahams, who passed away last year. His crew, some now racing with other 38 owners, are the defending national champions and his winning boat is returning to the start line with class newcomer, Chris Mrakas from Sandringham YC, at the helm.
Weather dependent the racing will be run either on a course to the north of Scotland Island, Pittwater, or in the Broken Bay offshore zone. The RPAYC’s Steve Merrington is the PRO.
Up to four windward/leeward short course races are scheduled to start daily at 1100hrs. The presentation of awards will take place immediately after racing on Sunday February 22nd at the RPAYC.
A number of sponsors are supporting the upcoming Sydney Yachts Pittwater Regatta including principal sponsor Performance Boating; gold sponsors Pantaenius Insurance, G- Brothers and Coca Cola; and silver sponsors Zhik, North Sails, 316 Fasteners, Quay Marine and Wettons.
Eligible boats can enter here before Wednesday February 18, 2015.

Entry list – https://www.topyachtsoftware.com/db/aus/entrants_display.php?EventID=364

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sydney38class?ref=bookmarks

For further information please contact;

Greg Clinnick (class info)
Sydney 38 Class Association President
m. 0412 264 268 e. [email protected]
Lisa Ratcliff (media info)
Sydney Yachts Pittwater Regatta & Sydney 38 nationals media
m. 0418 428 511 e. [email protected]

Lisa Ratcliff
event management | public relations | freelance journalist

OCC – On Course Communications
m. + 61 (0) 418 428 511
e. [email protected]
w. www.occ.net.au
fb. OCC – Lisa Ratcliff
in. lisaratcliff
s. lisarat1
a. PO Box 1385 | Mona Vale NSW 1660
ABN 91 277 494 267

Jeff and the Bustin Loose gang recently rejoined the Sydney 38 Assocation and sent through this great set of photos. There are three 38s racing in California and a fleet out of Chicago. With two boats in New Caledonia we have quite a geograghical spread! Good sailing Bustin Loose.

Whilst the Victorian Chapter of the Sydney 38 Association enjoyed another very successful 2013 / 2014 season, my reflections of the past twelve months are both sad and satisfied. Sad because of the passing of Lou Abrahams, past committee man, passionate Sydney 38 One Design supporter and four time winner of the Sydney 38 National Championships. Lou was the backbone of the Victorian fleet and his boats, Another Challenge and Challenge were the boats to beat. Hundreds of sailors and friends celebrated of his life at the Sandringham Yacht in March, 2014. He will be sadly missed.

Satisfied, because the Southern Chapter enjoyed great One Design racing which was well supported and extremely competitive.  The addition of Pheonix (Brenton & Jen Carnell) lifted the standard of racing and the improved performances of Playground (Andrew Robinson) and Audacious (Greg Clinnick & Holden) particularly stand out. It was also great to see the Commodore of Sandringham Yacht Club, Kate Mitchell, buy into John Chatham’s 38 Degrees South. Mille Sabords’ (Stephane Howarth) performance in the 2014 Sydney to Hobart and her enthusiasm to the Sydney 38 is also high in my recollections of the season.

The Southern Chapter calendar provided One Design racing throughout the year commencing with a pre season weekend regatta at Geelong, a season long Summer Sprint Series, the 2014 National Championships as part of the Festival Sails at Geelong, the 2014 State Championship and a winter series to wrap up a very busy year.  Throw in a successful class promotional day and it is fair to say the eleven Sydney 38 owners and their crews had great value for money. It is also particularly flattering for the class to be invited to participate in various regattas on Port Phillip Bay as a One Design Class.

2013 /2014 Highlights

1. 1.     2014 Morris Finance National Championship

It was Victoria’s turn to host the 2014 National Championship at Royal Geelong Yacht Club as part of the Festival Of Sails. Whilst the regatta attracted a disappointing entry of only 9 boats, including the well travelled Zen (Gordon Ketelby) from NSW, the racing was of a high standard and extremely close. After being placed 3rd overall after the first day of racing, Lou Abraham’s Challenge helmed by Chris Jackson, steadily improved to win the series from Phoenix and Zen. There were many different heat winners but it was consistency rather than pace which determined Challenge as the winner of the series.

A successful social function on Saturday evening provided a great opportunity for crews to chat and discuss the racing. Many thanks to Ian Murray (Cinquante) and his company Morris Finance for sponsoring the regatta.

1. 2.     2014 Quantum Sails Victorian Championships

The 2014 Quantum Sails Victorian Championship was hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club over the weekend of 12th and 13th of April.  As a final tribute to Lou Abrahams, Mark Bulka and the Challenge team salvaged a close win from Pheonix and the rapidly improving Playground. Chutzpah38 (Bruce Taylor) after winning two heats was a close 4th place. A highlight was Mille Sabords winning a heat, under pressure from both Challenge and Pheonix.

Stephane’s performance illustrates the strength of One Design racing and that persistence pays off.

The Corinthian division was won by Pheonix from Clockwork (Gordon Mathers and Frank McDermott) and Sierra Chainsaw (Andrew Mollison & Family). The Saturday night social and presentation was well supported and the regatta sailed in good spirit. Thanks to David Eickmeyer from Quantum sails for his support.

1. 3.     2014 Morris Finance Pre Season Regatta

The Morris Finance Regatta is without doubt the most looked forward to regatta on the calendar. The Royal Geelong Yacht Club opens its doors to the Sydney 38 sailors and after a winter lay off is an opportunity to dust off the cobwebs and establish the peaking order for the season. Sailed over the weekend of 15th and 16th September over light and testing conditions, Pheonix won from Challenge and Audacious who enjoyed one of her most consistent series. Without a hiccup in race 6, Audacious would have finished second in the regatta. Pheonix’s performance again illustrated that to win in the Sydney 38 class which promotes no drop points scores, consistency is the key to winning. The regatta was well supported by 9 boats and the Saturday evening dinner was enjoyed by all crews. Again, much appreciation to Ian Murray and Morris Finance for his continued support and to the Royal Geelong Yacht Club for their hospitality.

4.   2013 / 2014 Sydney 38 UK Sailmakers Summer Aggregate

The UK Sailmakers Summer Series made up of 21 races spread over a number of Sunday mornings and events such as the Lipton Cup during the summer. To allow competitors time to compete in other events such as the Sydney to Hobart and other offshore events 4 drops were allowed. The series was won comfortably by Challenge from Audacious and Pheonix which deserves a special mention as she sails from Geelong to compete. This involves a 4 to 5 hour trip each way.

The racing on Sunday mornings allows crews time to compete in other events and frees up Saturdays. The sprints have been popular and have attracted good support with up to 10 starters on any one day. Each race should take no longer than 45 minutes.  Thanks to Sam Haines from UK Sailmakers for sponsoring the series.

5.   2014 ORCV Helly Hansen Winter Series

This winter the Sydney 38’s were invited to participate in the ORCV Winter Series. As the racing involves a full day it was an interesting experiment for the class. Five Sydney 38’s participated in the seven race series. The event was won by Sierra Chainsaw on a count back from Phoenix after winning four races with Audacious third. Combining One Design sprints with big boat courses did have some teething problems but clearly the publicity was good for the class.

6.   One Design One Passion Promotion Day

On the 16th March, the Southern Chapter with the help of the Sandringham Yacht Club hosted a Sydney 38 promotion day under the theme of “One Design – One Passion”. Over 30 people participated.  Jessica Watson spoke with her usual enthusiasm about her experiences racing a Sydney 38 in the Sydney to Hobart before six Sydney 38’s took part in a couple of mock races. For inexperienced sailors, the racing was very exciting and perhaps too close for the 20 knot conditions! Promotional tee shirts were also on sale. Based on the feedback, the day was a success and at least one sailor who travelled from South Australia to participate, committed to buy a Sydney 38. A number of crew were also recruited.

7.   The 2014 / 2015  Sydney 38 Southern Chapter Sailing Calendar

The calendar is posted on the class website and provides owners with a spread of events to keep racing tight and interesting. The Summer Series NOR also allows boats who wish to participate in the 2015 Nationals average points if they miss a day’s racing. At this stage at least 4 Victorian boats have expressed interest to participate in the next Nationals at Pittwater.

8.   Boat Movements

Unfortunately, the Southern Chapter fleet lost Clockwork to South Australia at the end of the season. Clockwork was always well campaigned and a fast boat so our lost will be their gain. In addition, Challenge has been recently sold but will stay in Victoria. We wish both new owners all the very best success with their boats.

9.     Appreciation To Office Bearers

On behalf of the Southern Chapter owners, I would like to express their appreciation to the President, Greg Clinnick, Treasurer, Andrew Robinson, Chief Measurer and his team, John Chatham and the rest of the Executive for their commitment to the class. When keelboat sailing in general is struggling, it is great to see the Sydney 38 class is in a good place

 

Rowan Simpson,

Secretary,

Southern Chapter.

The 38s are firing up!

With the new sailing season upon us I can honestly say I have never seen the Sydney 38 Association Committee so busy! So it is timely to provide a brief update on what is going on behind the scenes.

The next National Championships are going to set a new benchmark for the Sydney 38s so read more about what Bruce Ferguson and his sub-committee have been up to later in this newsletter. We also have some important decisions in front of us in relation to our class rules so make sure you are a financial member of the Association and have your say. You can attend the AGM either in person or via our telephone conferencing facility. See details below.

Whatever your plans – safe and fast sailing.

Nationals 2015 shaping up to be the best in some time!

A Team of Sydney 38 owners and supporters at the RPAYC have been working diligently since March to create a superb 2015 nationals. The team’s objective is to increase the number of boats participating in the event.

The strategy is to enlarge participation through having a Sydney yachts rally that will include the Sydney 32, Sydney 36 and other Sydney yachts into a regatta that incorporates the Sydney 38 nationals. This is supported by the early announcement of the dates of 20-22 February 2014 at RPAYC.

While we hope to get as many owners to race their own boats as possible, for various reasons, some may not be in a position to race. In this case we plan to get as many of these boats available for charter as possible. The team is in the process of creating a “plug and play” charter where the boat paperwork, access, quality, etc is as standard and easy as possible for charterers and the boat owners.

We are planning to make this the first OD event that incorporates a sailor with a disability, RPAYC’s Daniel Fitzgibbon, current Olympic Gold medallist and World SKUD18 champion who will be competing in Another Challenge, a very fitting legacy for the boat and for the late Lou Abrahams.

The event is shaping up to be a great showcase for the fleet, with multiple sponsors coming on board. At this stage we have Performance Boating as the naming sponsor, North Sails, 318 Fasteners, G Brothers Mercedes, Quay Marina locked in.

The team is in the process of creating a fun social and racing program for the event, and will be sending an information pack to owners soon, together with logistics and information on charters, timing and similar details.

All interested boat owners should go to Regattas & Championships at the RPAYC for notice of race and to enter.

For additional information, contact Jo Beashel at [email protected]

See you in Pittwater!

The AGM

Our AGM is planned for mid-November and will be held via tele-conference so all members can participate where ever they happen to be. Venues in Sydney and Melbourne will be arranged so members can gather and consider various matters including the important issue of whether the class should change to a mast head kite as a class. There will be separate information circulated to all members on the pros and cons and the process involved should the 2/3 majority vote be successful. There will also be some important practical and administrative changes made to the constitution and class rules. Again these changes will be laid out prior to the AGM so any questions and concerns can be addressed.

Please make every effort to return you ballot papers once received and attend the AGM. It is your association after all.

Communication

The Association Facebook page continues to get plenty of interest and traffic. Some stories are getting over 500 views! You can “like” us here https://www.facebook.com/#!/sydney38class to stay in touch with the latest news or check out our web page http://www.sydney38class.com/ Read about the recent win by Phoenix in the preseason sprints regatta held on Corio Bay.

Did you see the full page advertisement for our Nationals in last months Australian Sailing magazine? Thanks to our Nationals sponsor Performance Boating for making this possible.

As always if you have some news or a cool photo drop me a line at [email protected]

Sydney 38s in South Australia are building

The Victorian fleet was sad to see Clockwork Orange finally sold and heading west over to S.A.. But it is fair to say that Victoria’s loss will be S.A.s gain as Clockwork has always been one of the quicker boats around. The S.A. fleet is now 6 boats and they are looking to hold an OD State titles as part of the Lincoln Regatta next February. Anthony Wilson off Slipknot is the S.A. rep and he can be contacted on [email protected]

 NSW State titles

With the current focus on the Nationals in Pittwater, the NSW Chapter plan to hold the NSW State titles as part of Sail Port Stephens next April. So pencil this into the diary. I hear it is a great venue and a great event. Further details will come out over coming months.

Festival of Sail – Geelong

The next major regatta for the 38s is the FOS in Geelong over the Australia Day weekend. It will be a three day Grade 1 regatta starting Friday 23^rd of January. With four (maybe even six) Victorian boats committed to race in Pittwater in the Nationals this will be a key tune up regatta for the Vic fleet. It is great to hear that Slip Knot will be coming over from S.A. as well. We expect a feel of 10+ boats.

Membership of the Association

It is very important that if the 38s are going to retain their appeal as a one design class that we have a healthy association and good levels of participation. We appreciate that not every owner wants to take on Grade 1 events or race in the Sydney to Hobart but it is important that we have your input and support as a member. At $200 a year I hope you agree that being a member of the Association is a good investment. The Committee work hard to maintain the rules, answer technical queries, run events and promote the class. So please give us your support and if you haven’t already, pay your subs. Any queries can be sent to Jo at [email protected]

Greg Clinnick

Class President

 

Morris Finance Sydney 38 regatta Congratulations to the Geelong Crew on Phoenix for winning the Morris Finance Sydney 38 regatta last weekend. Co-owners Jenny & Brenton Carnell lead their team to victory over the 7 race series in both the championship and Corinthian trophies. Phoenix was consistently filling the top places and won easily by the end of the event. The minor places were filled by Challenge – Mark Bulka in 2nd and Audacious – Greg Clinnick. Saturday saw Southerly breezes slowly build through the day from 5 – 12knots. Four races were sailed and crews relished the conditions. Sunday saw much lighter conditions throughout the day with shifty breezes. Phoenix didn’t falter and maintained their winning way. See the video link below and results here: http://www.rgyc.com.au/results/alpha1415/S38/series.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7iIvIIZGbU&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

 

 

The Sydney 38 Class Association and Performance Boating Sales (PBS) are delighted to announce the first all-encompassing regatta for the Sydney Yachts range, the Sydney Yachts 2015 Regatta. The event will take place at RPAYC next February the 20th to 22nd with the Sydney 38OD’s racing as a class, then 32’s, 36’s, 36CR’s, 39CR’s, 40’s, 41’s, 46’s and maybe the 60 racing under PHS. Past and present Sydney Yacht owners are being invited to attend with various models available for charter, as there are also overseas owners expected to take part.

PBS were proud to be the Australian agents for this local brand which is stating to produce new models. PBS are equally proud to be the premier sponsor of the Sydney Yachts 2015 Regatta. According to PBS records there must be something in the region of 115 yachts in Australia and the organising committee are hoping for a huge turnout. If you haven’t already registered your interest here is a 

 to the Notice of Race, or you would like more information please contact the S38 Class Association at [email protected].

In the tightest contest in the history of the championship, Challenge was ultimately crowned the winner of the 2014 Quantum Sails Sydney 38 Victorian Title hosted by Sandringham Yacht Club last weekend. There is no doubt the gap between the 9 Sydney 38 competitors has narrowed as the highlight of the series was the close racing.  There were four different heat winners with Challenge , Phoenix  and Chutzpah 38 winning two races each and Mille Sabords leading from start to finish in race 3.

After day one of racing Phoenix lead by 3 points with Chutzpah38, Playground Challenge and Clockwork all locked on 13 points . However, Challenge came out blazing on Day 2 of the regatta with two bullets to lead into the last race. A match race at the start of the final race saw Challenge get the better of Pheonix to consolidate the win.

Conditions were relatively light with winds from the south east between 8 and 15 knots throughout the weekend. However, the breeze was far from steady with pressure patches and on Saturday in particular, a right hand track favoured.

 Race 1. It was North racing team which dominated the first race. Chutzpah38 (Bruce Taylor) with North Sails Noel Drennen calling the shots, jumped out of the blocks to lead from start to finish with Playground (Andrew Robinson) ably assisted by Arron Cole also from North Sails filling in as Noel’s wingman. Clockwork (Gordon Mather and Frank McDermott) held off Challenge (Mark Bulka) by one second to finish fourth.

 Race 2.  In a close race Challenge  infringed Phoenix (Brenton & Jen Carnell) in a port and starboard incident when the crew overruled their skipper (Yes it was the crew’s call!). The resultant penalty turn enabled Phoenix to sail away to snatch a win. Third and definitely in the hunt was Clockwork.

 Race 3.  Whilst Phoenix and Challenge were playing games with each other, it was Mille Sabords ( Stephane Howarth ) who played the right side of the course to lead throughout the race for a well deserved first win in a championship regatta.  

 Race 4.  A dominate performace by Pheonix placed her ahead on points at the end of day 1,  Playground and  Chutzpah 38 also did well whilst Challenge one second behind was looking for a change of luck.

 Race 5, After some overnight soul searching it was Mark Bulka’s  brilliant pin end start that had Challenge leap ahead to win from Clockwork who did Challenge a favour by snatching second on the finish line from Pheonix.

 Race 6. A fired up Mark Bulka had Challenge at full pace off the start to have a convincing win after picking up some pressure on the left on the first beat. Sierra Chainsaw (Andrew Mollison), disappointing thus far in the regatta, sailed an excellent race to finish second ahead of Pheonix. Challenge’s luck had turned for the better as the gap had widened and Chutzpah 38 had her worst race of the regatta. No drop series certainly favour consistency!

 Race 7. It was now down to the wire with only Phoenix and Challenge, one point apart ,that had a chance to win the series. When Pheonix locked onto Challenge’s stern in the pre start, Mark Bulka muttered “bring it on” and gybed when he needed to and tacked back to the start leaving Pheonix in his wake. You might think the regatta was won at this stage but being on board Challenge this was far from the case. We lost the plot on the first run watching our nemesis and were passed by a few boats.  Our 6^th place indicated the amount of distraction on the boat but Pheonix could do no better than 8^th, so the title was retained for another year. 

Meanwhile, Chutzpah38 finished where she had started in race 1 with a win whilst Sierra Chainsaw were no doubt pleased to finish ahead of Playground which continues to improve with every regatta.

 Final placings were :-

 1.   Challenge (Mark Bulka ) 21 points

2.   Phoenix (Brenton &  Jen Carnell) 24 points

3.   Playground (Andrew Robinson) 26 points

4.   Chutzpah 38 (Bruce Taylor) 29 points

5.   Clockwork ( Gordon Mather & Frank McDermott)  32 points

6.   Mille Sabords ( Stephane Howarth)  40 points

7.   Sierra Chainsaw (Andrew Mollison) 43 points

8.   Audacious (Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden) 45 points

9.   38 Degrees South  (John Chatham) 55 points

 In the Corinthian division it was Phoenix 1^st, Clockwork 2^nd and Sierra Chainsaw 3^rd.

 An enjoyable social function was held on Saturday night for competitors and the presentation held on Sunday after the racing was completed. Many thanks to our sponsors, Quantum Sails and Ronstan.

 At the presentation, Mark and his crew acknowledged the recent passing of the boat’s owner Lou Abrahams and dedicated the win to him.  Mark also commented that it was “the closest Sydney 38 regatta he had been involved in” and that “the standard of racing in the fleet had reached another level”. Furthermore, it had been “a stressful series” as a result of a poor first day on the water  and he was “very relieved” to the win. The Phoenix team in particular, need to be congratulated for frequently journeying from Geelong to seek out competition to improve their skills.  However, he was “not quite ready to pass on the batten.”  Challenge is for sale so the regatta may well be the end of an era for the crew.

 The regatta was very well managed both on and off the water by Sandringham Yacht Club and the numerous volunteer race management, jury and office officials are to be both congratulated and thanked for their effort.