Farr 40 Transfusion Wins Rolex Trophy

The Farr 40s enjoyed an exciting day on the water during the last day of the Rolex Trophy. All competitors were evenly matched in boat speed, and the standings at the end of day two were such that any boat could take the regatta win, depending on today’s performance. It was a true three-boat match race, each challenging the others tactically at every turn of the course.

Transfusion began the day ahead on overall points, and dominated the first race with a clear start to lead the fleet around the track. However at the bottom mark rounding, Kokomo and Estate Master approached on starboard and with a series of quick gybes in the softening breeze, made fast gains on the leader. After some tight manoeuvres Transfusion came away cleanly, whilst Estate Master and Kokomo had a close tousle for second place. Kokomo picked a shift on the right of the course to steal second place from Estate Master before the finish line.

The second race was sailed in a more disturbed air, with dark thunderstorms brewing to the south. Principle Race Officer Denis Thompson managed to get the fleet away to a clear start, hoping to finish the race before the pending southerly buster. Again, the three boats were closely matched, having to dip transoms and jostle for position. Estate Master looked strong during the first beat, until the breeze shifted and gave Kokomo the advantage. Kokomo surged into the lead to win the race, crossing the finish line just as the weather turned and racing was abandoned for the day. Their win in the second race of the day meant that Kokomo was awarded Boat of the Day for the second time this regatta – however Transfusion managed to hold onto their overall regatta lead to win the Rolex Trophy for 2011.

The event was sailed in predominantly 7-9 knots of breeze, which meant long days on the water outside Sydney Heads. “It was tiring out there and I have definitely slept well the last couple of nights” said Estate Master’s owner, Lisa Hill. Meanwhile, there will be no rest for Transfusion’s Guido Belgiorno-Nettis, who jumped straight off his Farr 40 and onto maxi yacht Wild Oats, to head out for some night-time training.

Belgiorno-Nettis will be competing in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race aboard Wild Oats, and is committed to a vigorous training regime during the lead-up to the Boxing Day start. Apart from aiming to win the Sydney Hobart Race, Belgiorno-Nettis plans to head to Chicago in September 2012 to defend his Farr 40 World Championship title. “We are also hoping to do the North American Farr 40 Championship in Newport as a warm-up before the Worlds” said Belgiorno-Nettis ”…. I just need to convince my wife!”

The Australian Farr 40 Circuit continues in March 2012. Full results of the Rolex Trophy One Design Series are available here.