10:59 PM Thu 17 Dec 2009 GMT
With the 2009 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Line Honours fleet locked in a speed battle, ignoring IRC ratings, just throwing up more 'canvas' the 70 footers are the new big boats in Tattersalls Cup IRC terms.
Will be at the CYCA for much of the next week, as it's certainly where the action is. We will explore the IRC fleet in detail next week.
While the weather is a little way off yet, there is lots of interest this year in the EAC current for the 2009 race. The
Tidetech
team seem to be right on the pace with Grib file current and sea temperature data.
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Tidetech's CSIRO Current GRIB - latest conditions at Green Cape -
Tidetech
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Will Oxley makes a good point about Routing Software having No Fear. 4-5 knots of current from the north and 30 knots of southerly could be boat breaking in Bass Strait.
Decisions, decisions
Looming large is Skype co-founder, Niklas Zennstrom's Ran, a Judel/Vroljik 72 from the UK, new to the southern hemisphere, but with a strong track record.
She is the winner of the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race overall and Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in the Mini Maxi division. She has plenty of rockstar talent and lots of offshore experience with America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race veterans, tactician Adrian Stead, Steve Hayles, Tim Powell, Andy Hemmings, and Richard Bouzaid.
CYCA Commodore Matt Allen with the IRC modified Volvo 70 Ichi Ban has the runs on the board and is certain to be amongst the contenders if the weather window suits the 70 footers.
The two Reichel Pugh 62-3; s Stephen Ainsworth's Loki and Allen Brierty's Limit represent their speed band well. They will be both love a two cold front Hobart
Geoff Ross' Reichel Pugh 55 Yendys is gradually being tuned. She has a 500mm deeper new keel and its 420kg heaver, so she will be looking for some upwind action too.
Michael Hiatt's Living Doll, a one-year old Farr 55 has been fast around the cans all year. Now we shall find out how she will go with cracked sheets.
By the way, if you are looking how best to watch the Sydney Hobart start... you have three extra serious options with the Bass & Flinders fast catamaran ferries. Doing 25 knots they can pretty much stay with the big boys. Its a spectacular way to watch the early action. Is that YOUR Christmas present?
Tickets can be purchased by phone on (02) 9583 1199 or email your request to bassflinders(at)bassflinders.com.au. Tickets are just $195 for adults. There are still some left but they are selling fast.
www.bassflinders.com.au
For now we wish Grant Wharington and his Etihad Stadium crew the best, as they battle towards the Hobart start, with their mast still in Europe.
by Rob Kothe & the Sail-World Team
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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