We started on Friday with a 150nm race from Adelaide to Lincoln with 5 38’s and around 40 other yachts. It was perfect conditions for all and was looking like a quick race. The 38 fleet split up overnight and by sunrise Slipknot was 10nm in front followed by White knight, The Business, Asylum then Clockwork. We had caught up with the ben45’s and were in front of the 40’s and it looked like the 38’s would be in the top 5 till we found a parking lot 15nm from the finish for around 2 hours whilst the front guys found the wind and came home strong. We ended up in the top 10 and within the first 15 boats over the line.
The Lincoln regatta week started off in 25 + knts but flat water with all 5 38’s racing with the div 1 IRC fleet. After Slipknot suffered a man over board on the last work of the first race (whilst being 800m in front) the results were White Knight, The Business, Slipknot, Asylum & Clockwork. The second race was in the same conditions with Asylum broaching and blowing a masthead kite and ended up with Slipknot, White Knight, The Business, Asylum & Clockwork.
The second day we had our long race of 39nm. After a close start with the div1 boats it was a tight race all day with the lead changing several times in the shifty conditions and at the finish in front of the club was Slipknot 1st follow by White Knight, Asylum, The Business & Clockwork who were improving each day.
The 3rd day was the traditional 11nm race to Meggas BBQ. After a few port starboards with the div 1 fleet, White Knight ended up taking the win by a couple of boat lengths over Slipknot then Asylum, The Business and closely behind was Clockwork.
The final day saw Slipknot and White Knight tied on points and it came down to the last race to decide the S.A. State Champion. We had a long postponement due to no wind, but once racing got under way it was tight all the way. White Knight took the win with Slipknot just in front in front of Asylum and Clockwork coming up 4th .
There was some fantastic racing over and week for all involved and Port Lincoln are keen to see the Sydney 38’s feature more prominently in their regatta – maybe host a future Nationals? The Sydney 38 scene in S.A. is taking off with two boat owners looking to step up to 38 ownership creating an 8 boat fleet in the near future.
Anthony Wilson
Sydney 38 Association – S.A. representative