Tasmanian yachting is noted for the longevity of its yachts – and its yachtsmen – with Tom Kirkland a prime example at the age of 87. Kirkland continued his winning form in his small yacht Ragtime on Sunday, taking first place on corrected time in Division 3 of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania’s opening race of The Good Guys Winter Series on the River Derwent.
Kirkland, sailing with a crew of three, finished second across the line and on handicap scored a 42 second win from Vistula (Gregory Biskup), third place going to Kharis (Terry Dalby). Line honour in the division went to Serenity (Graham Hall).
A fleet of 20 contested the race, sailed in a 6-8 knot (sometimes less) northerly breeze with Janene Frawley helming the Mumm 36 Madness to take line honours Division 2.
“This was my first race on the helm…and a great result,” said Frawley who owns Madness in partnership with Gavin Adamson. Madness got the gun after a close race with the Sydney 38 Ciao Baby II (Gary Cripps) but placed fifth on corrected time.
PHS handicap honours went to Scott Brain and Steve Chau’s Young 88 Young Lion, winning from the SB20 Mind Games (Phil Reid) and the Farr IMS 31 Wildfire (Malcolm Robinson).
– Peter Campbell
