2:33 AM Mon 22 Mar 2010 GMT
The final day of the Sydney 38 Ullman Sails Sprint series was hosted by Royal Brighton Yacht Club last Saturday, 20th March. With three races completed, the series constituted 17 races with three drops allowed. With so many races sailed in a variety of conditions, the series winner, 'Sierra Chainsaw' entered by father and son, Mel and Andrew Mollison, were worthy winners.
The conditions off Brighton on Saturday were testing with a light south easterly reaching no more than 10 knots. After a delayed start due to lack of wind 'Challenge' skippered by Lou Abrahams engaged in a match race strategy with the series leader, 'Sierra Chainsaw' in an effort to gain an advantage and to sail them back down the fleet.
However, 'Sierra' was able to defend the favoured left side of the course and stay within a boat length of 'Challenge' at the windward mark. In spite of covering tactics to the finish 'Sierra Chainsaw' was good enough to hold onto second place and remain in contention.
Much the same pattern applied to the second race with ' Challenge' and 'Sierra Chainsaw' engaged in their own duel to finish first and second again with 'Audacious' entered by Greg Cliinick and Paul Holden, a consistent third.
With 'Challenge' now threatening 'Sierra Chainsaw', the series result was now down to whoever won the final race! With 'Sierra Chaisaw' starting at the Committee boat in clear air and 'Challenge' the meat in the sandwich with 'Orange' helmed by Sam Haines to leeward, 'Sierra Chainsaw' was able to skip away to lead at every mark to win comfortably. 'Challenge' had a fight on its hands to fend off both 'Audacious' and 'Orange'. At the finish, 'Audacious', sailing well, finished second with 'Orange', enjoying her best race of the day, finishing a close fourth behind 'Challenge' which suffered from 'pay back' covering tactics following the two previous races!
A barbeque was held immediately after the racing where the series sponsor, Sam Haines from Ullman Sails presented the trophies. Sam has been a great supporter of the class and has helped many of the new owners and their crews improve their skills. We look forward to his continued support in the future.
The Southern Chapter would also like to acknowledge the efforts of host clubs, the Sandringham Yacht Club and the Royal Brighton Yacht Club for running a very successful series.
Congratulations to the crew of 'Sierra Chainsaw' for a very consistent and well sailed series.
Final Results
1st Sierra Chainsaw Mel and Andrew Mollison 22 points
2nd Challenge Lou Abrahams 23 points
3rd Audacious Greg Clinnick & Paul Holden 32 points
Rowan Simpson
Secretary, Southern Chapter
by Rowan Simpson
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