Australia Cup - Hooligan & Botany Access lead

The LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup combining TP52 Australia and Super 40 racing commenced this weekend from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. Marcus Blackmore’s Hooligan had a clean sweep of the TP52 results on both TPR and IRC, and Botany Access took out the Super 40’s on both PHRF and ORCi. Both lead going into the second and final weekend of racing 25-26 October.

It was a weekend of tactical racing on the iconic Sydney Harbour, with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House overshadowed by the battles on the water. The TP52 and Super 40 fleets lived up to their reputations as top competitive classes, with mini battles throughout in every race.

“It was all conditions,” said Matt Stenta, the Boat Captain of Hooligan. “We had some light stuff, we had some windy stuff, we had some shifts, we had some ferries, we had some yachts. It was all happening out there, so it was great,”

“It was really nice to have the Super 40s out there as well. It was good to have them all out there and keep chipping away, and we’ll hopefully get more and more involved next time,” said Stenta.

Hooligan leads the TPR and IRC divisions in the TP52 class after a clean sweep of the results on IRC, and a near perfect scorecard on TPR. Behind them First Light and Smuggler will be in a fierce battle to secure the minor placings on IRC. On TPR it is a closer story, with Smuggler and First Light sure to be looking to chase Hooligan’s lead through the final races, and both Highly Sprung, and First Light Bullwinkle looking to move up.

In the Super 40s both divisions will come down to the second event with eight points covering the fleet on ORC, and just three points between first and third place on PHRF.

“We’ve been in New York at the New York Yacht Club Invitational,” said Chris Way, the helm for Mike Ritchie’s Revolver on day two. “Mike and I went over, fronted a team from the Alfreds [Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club]. It’s good fun. And then we have come back and the Australia Cup’s on. It’s so good to have the TP52’s and the Super 40s together.”

“This will be a format for the future. Really, you’re looking at future Admirals Cup teams, New York Invitational teams. This is where it’s going to come from. It has to because there’s just no other fleets to do it in right now,” finished Way.

The LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup is an extension of the grand prix racing that the TP52 class have competed in, in Australia, with the addition of the Super 40 class. The action continues 25-26 October for the conclusion of the inaugural edition.

Thanks to naming rights sponsor LGT Wealth Management for their support of the new double header, as well as Zhik, who have now supported the class for six years, and Hancock & Hancock for their continued support.