The 226 nautical mile east coast classic had sailors of all levels pushing their boats and teams to the limit as they navigated the unpredictable conditions and made their way to the finish line. The unpredictability of the weather and the challenges of the course kept sailors on their toes throughout the race. Sailing from Pittwater, the yachts faced a tough 30 nautical miles of reaching before they could turn north and get into the best wind to set them up for the rest of the race. The course was designed to take advantage of the prevailing wind, which was a key factor in the sailors’ decisions to sail close to the coast.
- Richard Hudson, owner of Pretty Woman, a modified Farr 45, made an informed decision to sail close to the coast despite the forecast advising against it.
- He was aware of the potential risks and benefits of taking this route, but ultimately decided that it was the best choice for his team.
Richard Hudson’s decision to sail close to the coast proved to be a successful one, as he and his team finished second overall and won the ORC overall award. Hudson explained:
“I look around me and see what’s happening, and I reckon we did more sail changes than I can count. It was hard and the team worked really hard.”
The winning yacht, Koa, a TP52, took the lead in the 39th edition of the race early on, but faced several challenges throughout the competition. Koa’s co-skippers, Andy Kearnan and Mark Griffith, had to make difficult decisions about when to tack and when to sail downwind to avoid the worst of the storm cells. Koa’s crew worked tirelessly to maintain the boat’s stability and keep the sails together, even when sailing downwind with only a mainsail up. Their determination and skill ultimately paid off, as they finished the race in 1 day, 10 hours, 21 minutes, and 46 seconds. The multihull, Slingshot, skippered by Dara Johnston, finished third overall, while the Cookson 50, Sticky, owned by Richard Harris, finished fourth. The Two-Handed division of the race was won by Toucan, a Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300, which sailed to the finish line first. The crew of Verite, a J/99, were in close contention with Toucan throughout the competition, but ultimately finished second overall.
- Edward Curry-Hyde and Lincoln Dews, the crew of Verite, overcame the challenges of the race to finish second overall.
- They faced tough conditions, including variable wind and rain squalls, but persevered to achieve a strong finish.
In the multihulls, Darren Drew’s Arber 38 Cat, Southeaster, took top place overall under OMR, while Stephen Barton’s J’ouvert, a Whitehaven design, finished second. The unpredictable weather conditions made the race challenging for all sailors, but the determination and skill of the crews ultimately led to exciting finishes and unexpected winners. As the sailors docked in Coffs Harbour, they were greeted with a sense of accomplishment and relief. The race had been a test of endurance, but it had also provided an opportunity for sailors to push their limits and achieve great things. The Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race is a classic event that has been held for many years, and it continues to attract sailors of all levels. The race provides a challenging and unpredictable course that tests the skills and determination of the sailors, and it has become a highlight of the sailing calendar. In conclusion, the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race was a thrilling and unpredictable event that saw sailors from all over the world competing in a challenging and exciting competition. The determination and skill of the crews ultimately led to exciting finishes and unexpected winners, making this a race that will be remembered for a long time.
