Whilst primarily designed as a One Design class, the Sydney 38 yacht continues to be competitive in both IRC and AMS handicap events. This was illustrated in the recently completed 2011 ORCV seven race Winter Series. Sailed in a variety of conditions from light to gale force winds, two Sydney 38s namely Lou Abrahams’ “Challenge” and Bruce Taylor’s “Chutzpah 38” virtually match raced throughout the series to be placed 1st and 2nd overall in the Division 1 of the IRC event and 2nd and 4th respectively in the AMS event.
Counting two wins, a second, two thirds, a fourth, and dropping a DNF “Challenge”, finished with a series score of fourteen points, four points clear of “Chutzpah 38”. Both Sydney 38’s had dramas in the windy races with “Challenge” experiencing steering problems in one heat and “Chutzpah 38” breaking a spinnaker pole. Up to five Sydney 38’s competed in the ORVC event providing great racing and interest. However, with the lead changing within each race, and three points separating the boats going into the last race, it was apparent from the start that there was a race within the 44 mile passage race to Geelong.
“Challenge” started on “Chutzpah 38’s” hip rounded the first mark ahead and maintained the closest of covers on “Chutzpah 38 crossing the finish line three minutes ahead after seven hours of racing. No doubt their competiveness pushed both boats to do well on handicap. At the end of the day Bruce, forever a gentleman, congratulated Lou on sailing “a beautiful race”. Little did he know, the pressure he and his crew had applied to a very wary “Challenge” crew.
It was great to see “Cinquinte” owned by Ian Murray make the effort to sail from Geelong to compete in most of the races. The enthusiasm of Stephane Howarth sailing her “Mille Sabords” cannot be denied and it was great to see “Fullynpushing” owned by Andrew Griffiths and the new addition to the fleet “Playground” owned by Andrew Robinson out on the water for the last race of the series. “Audacious” owned by Greg Clinnick and Paul Holden joined in the fun for the last couple of races and demonstrated she cannot be ignored.
The ORCV is to be congratulated for running the series and listening to owners who felt the previous passage race to Geelong was too long. The provision for shorter courses made for a testing yet enjoyable race in difficult conditions. The photos such as those supporting this article were also well received and a promotion for yachting generally.
Rowan Simpson
12/9/2011