2015/16 Farr 40 Australian Open December regatta – media release

MEDIA RELEASE – 12 DECEMBER 2015

Event: 2015/16 Farr 40 Australian Open Series: 12 & 13 December 2015 hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

Farr 40 fleet returns to Pittwater

The Farr 40 fleet returned to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club today for the third and final training regatta of the 2015/16 Farr 40 Australian Open Series. It’s been over twelve months since the Sydney fleet competed with their Pittwater cousins and today they reunited with nine boats on the start line.

NRO, Steve Merrington and his team ran four efficient races in near to ideal sailing conditions. “It was shifty this morning with a sou’easter blowing 7-10 knots which continued building to 12-13 knots later this afternoon.”

Steve thanked his “top team” of volunteers on the start boat for a job well done.

Windy Too Skipper Carl Russett was pleased with his crew’s performance today and was thrilled to score two fourths in the last two races. “We broke equipment in the first race and subsequently missed the second race. Alan Storman was Tactician today and unfortunately he is unable to sail with us tomorrow, which will probably make a big difference.” Windy Too has been voted the most improved Farr 40 this year and whilst Russett may joke when it comes to his sailing ability and aspirations, his results speak for themselves.

Joachim and David Williams purchased Edake from Jeff Carter in the beginning of 2013 primarily for club racing and did not want to miss the opportunity to sail with the Sydney fleet on their home waters. “We enjoy the Farr 40, however, doing Farr 40 regattas is another step for us. Being our first such regatta, we were conservative today and the plan for tomorrow is to be more aggressive with our starts and look for that clean air. We enjoyed today and will be back tomorrow!”

Another newcomer to the Class is Andrew Butler, Owner of Komodo and according to crew member Jason Antill, “we met our expectations today”. The team enjoyed their first Farr 40 regatta and are now gearing up for the Sydney to Hobart.

Joe de Kock lived up to the name of his boat today showing “good form” indeed kick-starting the day with a win in Race 1. Good Form is based at the Midcoast boatyard in Newcastle and this is the second Farr 40 regatta for the Corinthian team who are shaping up to be quite a threat.

Guido Belgiorno-Nettis took three bullets from four races today placing him comfortably in first place on five points ahead of Zen on fourteen points and Good Form and Edake in joint third place on fifteen points.

Transfusion Tactician David “Chappo” Chapman was pleased with today’s results. “We had a really good day, our starts and mark roundings were the highlights. I think we won every start. This is my third regatta with Guido and things are coming together well.” Chappo congratulated Joe de Kock and Carl Russett for a great day on the water.

Elaine Folwer will take over race management tomorrow for another four scheduled races due to commence at 1100hrs with a predicted nor’easterly.

Facebook: Farrforty

Website: www.farr40.asn.au

By Jennie Hughes – Farr 40 Class Administrator

M: 0407 387 302

E: farr40australia@gmail.com