Kidder Williams Melbourne to Launceston Race - eXtasea all the way

8:27 PM Mon 28 Dec 2009 GMT

'’Extasea’ was the winner for the 2009 Melbourne to Launceston. - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart' Teri Dodds &copy

Kidder Williams Melbourne to Launceston Race update.

In a flying finish eXtasea the DK 46 from Geelong skippered by Paul Buchholz crossed the line at 18.39. This well performed Geelong boat were preparing for the race from Sydney but with a glitch in their entry switched to the Launceston race. With the Line honours win and places in both IRC and AMS handicap they will be celebrating today.

There must be something in the water in Geelong, they seem to be able to produce great sports people. Brendan Garner driving the Cookson 40 Akatea kept eXtasea honest in the dash across the straight. Second over the line this year they have taken the major Handicap prize the IRC handicap and The Rudder Cup Trophy, the oldest ocean trophy in Australia.

First time Tassie racers Caledonia skippered by Malcolm Mitchell from the Royal Brighton Yacht Club has been repaid for his hard work and preparation. Mitchell originally bought the Bavaria 44 as a family cruising boat and very comfortable she is too. Despite the fact that she has two on board showers complete with hot water Mitchell was bitten by the racing bug. With the support of the ORCV he has moved from Bay racing to the ocean, completed all the safety courses and built a crew. Fifth across the line he has also taken first place in performance handicap and AMS handicap.

Whilst all the crews will be looking to celebrate either their victories or just completing the race they will have to wait just a little longer. Today at 1pm sees the running of the Tas Ports Cup. This race is the final leg of the much coveted three race Rudder Cup series.

Line Honours
eXtasea - Paul Buchholz
Akatea - Brendan Garner
Belle -David Currie

IRC Handicap
Akatea - Brendan Garner
eXtasea - Paul Buchholz
Hush - P Chalkley, M McManus

AMS Handicap
Caledonia - Malcolm Mitchell
eXtasea - Paul Buchholz
Hush - P Chalkley, M McManus

Performance Handicap
Caledonia -Malcolm Mitchell
Magic - Phil Spry-Bailey
Akatea - Brendan Garner

www.orcv.org.au

by Jennifer McGuigan