Melbourne to Geelong race - Big winds, even bigger party

3:27 AM Mon 14 Sep 2009 GMT

''Goldfinger' was fully powered up. - Melbourne Winter Series' John Curnow

Inaugural Melbourne to Geelong race report.

The breeze was up down and around about all day during the inaugural Melbourne to Geelong race on the weekend, which is the final in the Melbourne Winter Series. Depending on where you were on the 58nm course and what time of day it was, it could have been anywhere from 10 to just over 40 knots, with gusts more like 50. All of which meant that crews had to work hard with their tactics, sail changes, grinding and hiking. No wonder then that so many had worked up huge thirsts by the time their boat was tied up. Even those retiring with gear damage still made it into port and the ensuing soiree. The interesting weather also allowed for some great pictures to be taken of nature and sailing, together with some very busy days this week at numerous sail lofts.

Now after having to postpone the start, as so many boats headed off up North when they left their marinas, leaving half of the fleet to be decimated by a mass OCS, it eventually was a clean start won by 'The Secretary' with 'Calm' coming along very quickly too. 'The Secretary's driver, George Shaw told me that, 'A hole just appeared before us like divine intervention and we simply slipped on through.' Good one for them and what a busy line it was, with all manner of vessels in all states of readiness. Breeze was a true North of originally ten when we were laying the marks, but very quickly more like 20+ as it all got underway. 'Kingurra' was in front of the Committee Boat ensuring they did not get wound up in the anchor chain, as they came back around to go through correctly.

Rounding the top mark and then heading South to their respective marks. - Melbourne Winter Series - John Curnow

It was then back up to R2 some two nautical miles further North, where there was a gate for the fleet to work through and then head back South again to SYC 5 for Division Two and Carrum #2 for Division One. And it is the gate that we are going to talk about now. Just two boats went around the laid mark on the port side. True, the R2 end was favoured, but not when you consider the breeze building in the middle of the Bay. The first boat was 'XLR8' and they looked like the young pioneers out on their own. The other boat to do it was 'Remedy', sailing two up. So many boats went past R2, just to make it around, even when all they had to do was flop over and go around the port marker. It really did look like sheep from the Committee Boat and we could not understand why the Naviguessers did not see it. Last boat around the first mark, R2, was 'Pretty Woman', but as Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's Rear Commodore, Don Fraser, reminded me - 'Not the last to finish though!'

The boats worked back up to P2 from their respective Southerly marks, before the huge reach back into Corio Bay that earned all the smiles from owners and crew alike. So many people were raving about what a great course it was, with enough of everything in it to ensure the ongoing success of the event.

The winners. Easy - everyone who was out there or involved in the event. The officials from Royal Geelong Yacht Club, who had plenty on as the two-course system ensured the 50-boat fleet roared up the channel within about an hour and half of each other. The marina managers who had to place everyone and of course, the bar staff.

The winners arrived out in front of the huge breeze line, as well as the fleet - Melbourne Winter Series - John Curnow

Out on the water, it was a 'Calm' day. She was driven by the hugely experienced John 'Willow' Williams and all he had to say was '...the best birthday present ever!' Onboard to celebrate the grand occasion with him were his four children, Peter, Bruce (new dad himself - well done Hannah too), Mark and Elizabeth. Nice one. No wonder it was the best and so a real Bill and Ted style 'Excellent' goes out to you Willow. Now as 'Calm' arrived I wondered to myself, 'Where's the Bag guys?' Then I had a little look see back down the channel, where there was a line of strong breeze bringing boats in like the first planes of the morning into Mascot.

'Beyond Outrageous' was the first boat home in Division Two, with a lot of daylight for second. Their super-enthusiastic crew collected more than a few bottles of wine at the presentations, which managed to keep their spirits high for at least another hour. 'Godzilla' has had a fantastic Melbourne Winter Series and capped it off with a Division win in the inaugural Melbourne to Geelong as well.

'Godzilla' collected the Race Director's 'Happiest crew on the water' prize. - Melbourne Winter Series - John Curnow

Other winners of the day, who were definitely grinning and enjoying the party, were 'Audi Centre Melbourne', who nailed IRC and AMS. Chris Dare was very keen to get this race happening and '...will be telling everyone just how good it has been! We hit over 24 knots today. It was just great and a heap of fun.' The next round of modifications is happening this week and the soon-to-be-on-us Melbourne to Stanley race will be a good test for his Hobart crew who will all be onboard. 'The square top main should be exciting, so let's bring it on. Every time we've done well in the Melbourne Winter Series, we've had a good Summer too.'

Excellent news and we look forward to seeing it as well.

ORCV website: www.orcv.org.au