It was high tide but before high noon under a grey sky and lumpy seas as the fleet ventured onto Gage Roads Fremantle for the first race of this years Valmadre Series and Pantaenius I.R.C. State Championships.
There has been considerable interest and expectations in the Western Australian sailing community surrounding the outcome of today's first encounter between Tony and Astrid Mitchells TP52 Calm and Craig Carters Carkeek 47 Indian.
The 28 mile passage race was sailed in 15 to 20 knot winds with predominately windward and leeward legs. Calm finished spectacularly under full spinnaker against the backdrop of the South Mole 10 minutes ahead of Indian. The sea state suited the greater water line length of the TP52 whose crew work appeared more practiced. With seven further races to come over winter this battle is only just beginning.
The Next factor had a good race only 21secs adrift of Calm on I.R.C. and Indian was in third place.
Division 2 provided the racing of the day where the 40 footers , Just Cruisin, Giddy up and Joss had a tight tussle with the 36 footers X Factor, By and Large and This way Up
The Mayflower race on the 04th of July will be the next race and I can’t wait.
– Ed Fethers
