eXtasea takes line honours in Melbourne to Launceston race



6:13 PM Mon 28 Dec 2009 GMT
'’Extasea’ was the winner for the 2009 Melbourne to Launceston. - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart' Teri Dodds &copy
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 thy 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.


’Akatea’ won IRC and as such, they collect the wonderful Rudder Cup. Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart - Teri Dodds &copy


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




by Jennifer McGuigan ORCV



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