Emotional Hooligan takes first

After final day of the Rhodes Waterside Farr 40 regatta in Australia reports Sam Crichton

The final day of racing at the Rhodes Waterside Farr 40 International Regatta had plenty of action with a southerly front come through with breezes ranging from 18 to 36 knots. These conditions were in vast contrast to those from yesterday provided copious challenges for all crews. The race committee decided to set a course near Manly inside North Head on Sydney Harbour and attempted to get the remaining races underway.

After an individual recall at the start for Tony DeMulder on Victric, the fleet ploughed into the increasing breeze heading towards the top mark set near Lady Jane Bay inside South Head. Paul Hyland on Capria retired from the race half way up the course, after having the lacing on the lifeline come loose, nearly tipping a number of crew into the harbour.

Dick Voorderhake on Rapscallion decided to retire from race seven and waited to see if the breeze was going to ease off for another race. The rest of the fleet lined up the top mark with Richard Perini on Corinthian Doors approaching the mark in the lead and Lang Walker on Kokomo was hot on his heels. Both boats had to tack back to round the mark and Corinthian Doors managed to get to the mark in first position to lead the fleet round and down the course. Kokomo tacked back with the rest of the fleet approaching the mark and ended up having their stern hit Steve Ellis on Buon Giorno. Buon Giorno and Kokomo both had protest flags displayed as they rounded at the back of the fleet.

With a large container ship manoeuvring straight through the course and breezes strengthening as the fleet headed downwind, the race committee decided to shorten the course at the gate. There were a number of boats that sailed the downwind leg without a spinnaker and under main and headsails. Buon Giorno chinese gybed half way down the course, which they recovered from to finish over the line in ninth position.

After recording strengthening breezes the race committee decided to abandon racing.

The protest between Buon Giorno and Kokomo was heard back at the CYCA and the result saw Kokomo remain in second place and Buon Giorno taking third.

The JP Morgan Regatta on 29-30 November will be the next regatta in the Australian Farr 40 fleet and next in the circuit point score series for the class.

Final Results:
1 Emotional Hooligan (M.Blackmore - RPAYC) 4,4,2,1,1,1,4 17
2 Kokomo (L.Walker - CYCA) 2,2,6,7,6,2,2 25
3 Buon Giorno (S.Ellis - RPAYC) 1,6,1,2,6,2,9 27
4 Corinthian Doors (R.Perini - RSYS) 3,5,3,9,10,3,1 34
5 Weapon (R.Skinner - CYCA) 5,3,6,3,9,6,3 35
6 Smile (M.Allen -CYCA) 10,1,4,5,4,7,6 37
7 t One Step Ahead (D.McDonald -CYCA) 7,10,9,4,3,9,5 47
8 Valley Tram (K.Miller -RQYS) 6,8,8,10,5,8,8 53
9 Rapscallion (D.Voorderhake - CYCA) 11,7,7,11,7,4,12 59
10 Victric (T.De Mulder - GBR) 8,9,11,6,8,10,7 59
11 Capria (P.Hyland - CYCA) 9,11,10,8,11,11,12 72