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A Lot Can Happen Overnight!

Home 2008 A Lot Can Happen Overnight!

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Wild Joe was also forced to retire due to rudder damage sustained to the forward rudder. Owner Steven David reported in after the boat was in port after assessing damage, “We were surfing off a wave at approx. 1.20am this morning (about 60 miles offshore) and we had good boat speed of 20-22 knots in 18-20 knots of breeze. We came down off the wave and hit a submerged object. The boat stopped dead and we heard the crack of carbon as we lost the forward rudder. None of the crew were injured and we made it back to Port Stephens. If we haven’t sustained any keel damage we’ll be up at Hamilton Island Race Week after further assessment.”

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Ocean Racing is a sport that commands attention and can make people stand up and take a look – man and his yacht, against the elements mother nature throws at those in her territory.  Last night the lead pack went outside the rhumbline to pick up on the moderate westerly breezes that were occurring offshore.

Overnight leader Ragamuffin, together with the pack she was in including Flirt, Shortwave, Quantum Racing, Wot Now and Yendys continued their journey up the coast.  In the early hours of Sunday morning Wot Now was forced to retire due to rudder damage having been sustained whilst off Port Stephens.

Shortly after the withdrawal of Wot Now, another big boat Wild Joe was also forced to retire due to rudder damage sustained to the forward rudder.  Owner Steven David reported in after the boat was in port after assessing damage, “We were surfing off a wave at approx. 1.20am this morning (about 60 miles offshore) and we had good boat speed of 20-22 knots in 18-20 knots of breeze. We came down off the wave and hit a submerged object.  The boat stopped dead and we heard the crack of carbon as we lost the forward rudder.  None of the crew were injured and we made it back to Port Stephens.  If we haven’t sustained any keel damage we’ll be up at Hamilton Island Race Week after further assessment.” 

At 0700hrs radio report this morning, race leader Quantum Racing, skippered by CYCA member Ray Roberts, was offshore with a lead of approximately 13 nautical miles from Yendys with Quest only a further 4 nautical miles behind in third. All three were sailing north of Port Stephens heading towards Coffs Harbour with Quantum Racing the furthest out to sea.

Based on their current speeds of 12-14 knots, Quantum Racing is due to finish the 384 nautical mile winter race just after midnight with others in the lead pack following in the early hours of Monday morning.

Today’s forecast for southern QLD coastal waters is for W/SW winds 10-15 knots reaching 15-20 knots mainly offshore during the day. Late rain is also forecast for the afternoon and evening.

Provisional overall handicap results at 0700hrs today has Quantum Racing leading the IRC fleet from Bob Steel’s Quest and Bill Wild’s Wedgetail.

Funnel Web is provisionally leading the PHS fleet from Rod Skellett’s Krakatoa II and John Simpson’s Shark Face.

The original fleet of 75 is now down to 72 following the retirement of three boats