3-Buoys Challenge, Race 8
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Sydney Harbour
Chris Nicholson, Mike McKensey and Ricky Bridge won the Australian 18 Footers League’s 3-Buoys Challenge on Mojo Wine after finishing second in today’s final race of the series on Sydney Harbour. It was a great effort by the trio who were consistent, from the back mark, throughout the entire series.
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Gotta Love It 7 Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
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Mojo Wines crew Photo: Frank Quealey/18 Foot Skiff League |
Gotta Love It 7 continued to hold a 25s margin over Smeg at the second set of windward marks with Sydney City Marine (David Witt) another 30s back in third place. Coopers-Rag & Famish was also close behind in fourth place.
Another spectacular spinnaker run followed as Smeg began to pressure Gotta Love It 7. A slight spinnaker mishap on 7 allowed Smeg to take a narrow lead for the first time. With an advantage set to come at the final windward buoys, Smeg was in a particularly strong position to take the race honours.
An unexpected swim by the Smeg crew on the final windward leg allowed Gotta Love It 7 to regain the lead which the team held until the finish. The red machine was driven hard by her crew down the final spinnaker run past the cheering crowd on the spectator ferry.
It was definitely the best race of the season and was a mouth watering glimpse into what we are likely to see during the championship end of the season.
Frank Quealey
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