3:25 AM Sat 26 Dec 2009 GMT
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'The Race Director said 'head South' - so they did! - Entire Group Cock of the Bay'
John Curnow
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The Entire Group Cock of the Bay on Melbourne's Port Phillip got 103 boats away at 10.30 this morning, into a 10 to 15 knot Southeasterly. Three boats were, in fact, a little too eager to get into and were the subject of individual recall.
Very quickly, race favourite, 'Scarlet Runner' made her mark and at this time is set to take the record of 5:13:10. She just has to get here to Blairgowrie, on the wonderfully sunny Mornington Peninsula, by around a quarter to four this afternoon and that looks to be well in her command.
With her at the top of the fleet are 'Belle' in second and 'XLR8'. Others like 'Ocean Skins' and 'Just a Minor Hick Up' are also featuring well. It was also marvelous to see The Doyen, Lou Abrahams, at the helm of his 'Challenge' in the pre-start manoeuvres this morning.
As the mid-range 15 knot Sou'easters stay, the fleet will all make it in for the delightful dinner and presentations as the sun goes down - and what could be better than that.
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Lou Abrahams was at the wheel of his 'Challenge' this morning - Entire Group Cock of the Bay - John Curnow
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103 boats line up in the sun and breeze - only three didn't time it right - Entire Group Cock of the Bay - John Curnow
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The race favourite, 'Scarlet Runner' as she checked in with the start boat - Entire Group Cock of the Bay - John Curnow
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www.orcv.org.au
by John Curnow
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