Pipped at the post

Rag & Famish Hotel claim the Australian 18 Footers League’s inaugural Ferry Patrons Trophy

John Harris, Dave Lister and Peter Harris took Rag & Famish Hotel took victory in the Australian 18 Footers League’s inaugural Ferry Patrons Trophy race on Sydney Harbour today.

The Rag had to come from behind to defeat Appliancesonline.com.au, Micah Lane, by 16s with Pure Blonde, James Francis, a further 1m6s back in third place.

All crews elected to go with their smaller No2 rigs over a 3-buoys course in the 22-25 knot northeasterly wind.

Rag & Famish Hotel was a narrow leader at the first windward mark followed by Appliancesonline, Sharks/Coldwell Banker Real Estate (Evan Walker), Smeg (Nick Press), Yandoo (John Winning) and Gotta Love It 7, skippered by replacement helmsman Trevor Barnabas.

Appliances gained the upper hand on the spinnaker runs back to the bottom mark where she led Rag & Famish Hotel by 30s. Yandoo had moved into third place, ahead of Gotta Love It 7, Smeg and Pure Blonde.

Appliancesonline increased her lead to 1m10s on the next windward leg and was still 36s ahead at the bottom mark the second time.

At the final windward mark, Appliancesonline still led by 27s, but a poor gybe at the Shark Island wing mark allowed Rag & Famish Hotel to power through for victory.

Full results here