5:04 AM Wed 16 Dec 2009 GMT
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'McConaghy built Alfa Romeo II wins on Sydney Harbour - ? Rolex/Daniel Forster - SOLAS Big Boat Challenge'
© Rolex/Daniel Forster
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McConaghy built boats took out the top three positions in yesterday's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Sydney Harbour. This was on the very same day that ICAP Leopard III, the third of the McConaghy built titans coming in for the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart showdown, arrived back in the country, on the deck of a containership. So then, which other of the many McConaghy builds also occupied the podium?'
Completing the McConaghy trifecta was the 66 foot Mini Maxi, Wild Oats X. In an astonishing finish, she crossed the line in 3rd place behind the 100 foot Wild Oats XI in 2nd place and the 100 foot Alfa Romeo II, which captured Line Honours. Amazingly Wild Oats X finished ahead of all the other Supermaxi's, to whom she hands at least 30 feet (which is almost half her own length).
Wild Oats XI had, in fact, led for the bulk of the race, but a wineglass from their hoist for the last spinnaker run saw Alfa Romeo II pounce, taking immediate advantage of Wild Oats XI predicament and overtake her. This just shows how close it all will be once the gun goes off on Boxing Day and how costly a small mistake can be at this level.
McConaghy builds also occupied three of the top four spots and capturing two podium positions in the overall IRC standings. The TP52, Quest, was first with the 63 foot Loki and 55 foot Yendys, second and third, respectively. Wild Oats X was just outside, occupying fourth, a little over a minute behind on corrected time.
McConaghy co-owners, Mark Evans and Jono Morris, were delighted with this outcome on the scoreboard. Asked about this being a prelude for the big race from Boxing Day, they said, almost collectively, 'Definitely occupying all three positions from a close finish would be more than ideal.' Jono, who will be on board one of these powerful titans, also added 'We're not too fussed about the order they arrive in, as long as it is 1st, 2nd and 3rd!' Somehow I am sure he will be working hard onboard to ensure his crew are first, however.
With the entire McConaghy office and manufacturing team onboard a charter vessel for their annual Christmas party and cheering on their yachts in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, Mark Evans commented today that, 'It was a shame that ICAP Leopard III wasn't able to make in time for today's trials. I know she would have been right up there with Oats and Alfa. However it is good to have Jono out there representing our great McConaghy team. How good would it be to have the three Line Honours and Overall winners as McConaghy builds?'
Clearly McConaghy are building some of the fastest, lightest and strongest boats on the planet, which was demonstrated so clearly at yesterday's SOLAS Big Boat Challenge.
by John Curnow
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