Ideal Conditions for the Round the Island Race: A Perfect Day on the Water

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week Day 4: Perfect Day for the Round the Island Race

29 August – 4 September 2024

Zen (NSW) has taken the overall lead in Spinnaker Division 1 on Day 4 at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week (SMIRW) 2024. This year’s race series has seen an exceptionally close competition, with the overall lead changing after each race.

This victory marks Zen master Gordon Ketelbey’s second consecutive win with his TP52. “It was quite a lot windier than previous days. We were hoping for a bit more, but it was enough for a very pleasant day’s sailing, though a bit bumpy towards the end as we worked our way to the finish,” Ketelbey expressed.

Looking ahead to the final race, which will conclude Townsville Yacht Club’s 17th edition of SMIRW, Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson noted that winds could reach 25-30 knots, potentially creating challenging sea conditions. A final decision on racing will be made in the morning.

Greg Tobin’s Sydney 38, 38 (Qld), secured second place behind Zen, with Rob Reynolds’ chartered Farr 40, Bobby’s Girl, taking third.

In Division 2, Brett and Jacinta Cooper’s Hanse 54, Katana (Tas), achieved top scorer status, coming in ahead of Matt Doyle’s La Troisieme Mitemps and Graeme Amey’s Yknot. Both NSW boats are currently tied at the top of the division on equal points.

“The weather finally worked in our favor, with winds reaching up to 18 knots, primarily around 15 knots. It was a beautiful day for the Round the Island Race. The boat (Katana) is heavy and appreciates this kind of breeze. We’re thrilled with today’s performance – we’ve finally moved up to fourth overall,” Jacinta remarked, adding that Katana is currently for sale as they’ve purchased an MC38, Game On 2, from South Australia.

Division 3 went to Andrew Mitchell’s Fahrenheit, a modified Farr 11.6 representing the event’s host club. Chris Morgan’s La Quinta, the current leader of the points table, came in second. La Quinta also won the best-dressed crew award on Saturday, sporting cheerful pineapple shirts and hats.

Mitchell shared, “I had a crew of six, and we managed a good start with excellent upwind and downwind conditions, hitting speeds of about 18 knots on the course. We had great competition from Amaya and Brava but successfully overtook Brava on the last leg. The upwind situation suited us well, and everyone on the crew, including the owner and skipper, was pleased.”

Lindsay Powell’s Fandango emerged victorious in Division 4, achieving his best result yet and finishing just over a minute ahead of Gary Donnellan’s Matilda V (Qld). Both vessels are Beneteau Oceanis 411s, highlighting the competitive spirit and skillful handicapping.

“We are feeling fantastic! We’ve been celebrating with our favorite tunes. This is our third time attending this excellent event, and although we usually race with John Kint (on Bundaberg), we just love this regatta!” Powell exclaimed.

Ashore, I caught up with Lyndy Sawbridge, co-owner and skipper of the Bavaria 38, Helena May. Instead of racing this year, the Sawbridges decided to volunteer, joining Denis Thompson’s race management team for the first time.

“I’m really enjoying it and gaining a new appreciation for the hard work behind running a regatta. I’ve also been assigned to the protest committee, where I get to critique everyone’s mistakes now,” Lyndy laughed. “We’ve received many thank-yous from competitors, both on the water and ashore. It feels great to be appreciated.”

Racing will conclude tomorrow, followed by the Peppers Race Day Presentation Night.

For complete results and additional information, please visit www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au.