Anthony Johnston’s Maxi 72 URM Group claimed Line Honours of the 2024 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race at 20:14 hours, finishing with an elapsed time of 1 day, 7 hours, 14 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Skippered by Marcus Ashley-Jones, URM Group added to its trophy case with tonight’s Line Honour victory, racing as the defending Overall Winner from the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast.
The mini-maxi finished in a twelve knot westerly off the Gold Coast’s Main Beach in a dark and moonless night.
Of the challenge of this year’s running, Marcus Ashley-Jones shares “It was a really busy race. Last year, we had one sail change and this year close to 68 sail changes. We navigated further offshore, knowing we were always going to run out of breeze.”
“Whisper made a lunge on the inside, sailing close, but ultimately their breeze ran out. We trusted the offshore breeze to keep us going.”
CYCA Director David Griffith’s Whisper tested URM Group during their overnight battle Saturday 28 July into Sunday 29 July. Ultimately, URM Group pulled steadily ahead during the daylight hours of Sunday, establishing a twenty-eight nautical mile lead.
Of the URM program, Marcus says, “it’s an honour to lead this boat. We’ve put together a really great team, including having Rugby legend Bill Young onboard. We’re really happy with the boat. Anthony and David Johnston have made some really great improvements in the last few months.”
URM Group is looking forward to another successful season of offshore racing, competing in the 2024/2025 Audi Centre Sydney Bluewater Pointscore, culminating in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart.
The J/V62 Whisper finished after URM Group, at 21:59 hours. More of the fleet are expected to finish overnight and in the early hours of Monday. With a building west south-westerly breeze, the title for Overall Winner is still up for grabs.
Two yachts have retired from the race, Intiy (damaged mainsail) and She’s the Culprit (dismasted), taking the total to three retirements. All crew are safe and headed to shore. Forty-six yachts are still at sea heading towards the finish line.
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