Two in a row for Chinese Whisper after Newcastle Bass Island win
by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 12 Oct 2019 15:23 BST
11-12 October 2019
Chinese Whisper now leads line honours in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore © Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
David Griffith and his Chinese Whisper team have taken line honours in the challenging Newcastle Bass Island Race, the third event of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore.
Chinese Whisper, the Judel-Vrolijk 62, did not have it easy, as TP52 Ichi Ban were on their stern from Bass Island to the finish line. The two yachts were in a drag race to the finish, matching each other's speed in the pulsing wind conditions.
Owner David Griffith said, "The racing was very interesting with difficult weather conditions. It was all over the place in strength, with torrential rain and then no wind, then great reaching breezes, enabling us to sit at around 14-19 knots.
"It was sad to see No Limit retire, as we were having a great tussle and they were leading at that point, so it must be tough for them. Then we went back and forth with Ichi Ban all the way around."
Griffiths commented on the tough conditions experienced throughout the race, especially from Newcastle to Sydney Heads. "The seaway was all over the place. It died as we approached Bass Island, where we rounded ahead of Ichi Ban and we were both then screaming into the finish."
Ichi Ban currently leads in IRC overall, however there are many yachts who are still in contention, while Reve has taken the top spot in PHS.
Newcastle Bass Island Race teams can be followed live via the yacht tracker on the dedicated Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Series website. Photo and video will also be shared across the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia's socials including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and you can keep up with the conversation by using and following #AudiCentreSydneyBWPS.