HMRI Cup - Something for everyone in a race for medical research

5:23 PM Thu 27 Oct 2011 GMT

'The Farr 40 Aurora leads the Beneteau 36 Summersalt away from the start - HMRI Cup' Mark Rothfield Click Here to view large photo

HMRI Cup Yacht Race - With perfect sailing conditions, a whale at the top mark, and a rare start-to-finish victory for the slowest boat in the fleet, the race held on Saturday, October 22, had something for everyone.

Ten yachts from the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club took part, while the luxury 75ft cruiser King B gave spectators an ideal vantage point.

Winning skipper Robin Hillary, centre, with his 'paid' crew - HMRI Cup - Mark Rothfield Click Here to view large photo

The H28 ketch Warrain owned by Robin Hillary started 45 minutes ahead of the 'scratch' boat in the fleet - the Corby 43 Anger Management (nee Full Metal Jacket) - and was never headed.

Boat sponsors thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was moved to October after gale-force winds forced its cancellation in April, and it's set to be even bigger next year.

The event raises money for the Hunter Medical Research Institute based in Newcastle, NSW. With 900 researchers employed, the Institute is at the cutting edge of research into diseases and disorders including cancer, heart disease, asthma, mental illness, premature birth and stroke.

The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club did a superb job in hosting the event.

HMRI website

by Mark Rothfield