PERFORMANCE - IS THE NAME OF THE GAME.

by Ian Grant on 2 Jan 2001 Sailing above allocated handicap rated boat speed will be the required target for the 58 crews contesting the Performance class in the 220 n/ml Pittwater to Coffs Harbor ocean race.

The handicap formula based on performance boat speed from a wide collection of races and classes will be again put to the test.

Almost every one of the yachts is radically different in design and speed which sets the standard for an interesting duel.

Back marker the Ron Ellis helmed Future Shock sailing with a penalty plus rating of 1.4411 will have to sail over the horizon to save her time on the little limit marker Katinka (Paul O'Connell) .8173.

It's not an impossible task for Future Shock who will have the important advantage of sailing in clear wind and water at the head of the fleet while Katinka will be in the tail end fighting to maintain space to sail to the required rated pace.

Selecting an overall race winner is difficult with so many proven offshore racing combinations entered however the exciting Jon Sayer designed sloop Gonenumbyet aptly sailed by dentist John Lockwood could extract a win.

The small Queensland Elliott 10.5 High Anxiety skippered by David Kelly has the proven potential to outsail her high 1.1461 rating in moderate to fresh winds but how she will fare in the light winds will only be determined at the finish.

Other possible chances to win on handicap are the former Admirals Cup sloop Drakes Prayer (Ted Crimmings), Prima Donna (Jerry Nelson) and the baby sloops Katinka and Grahame Jackson's Grasshopper.