After four races at the LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup, David Doherty’s Matador claimed two more wins in the TP52 division, while just one point separates Beau Ideal and Anarchy at the top of the provisional Super 40 SFR standings.
Sixteen Grand Prix teams across the TP52 and Super 40 divisions are contesting from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, with racing continuing through Sunday 1 November.
The series commenced with four twilight races on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October against the iconic Sydney Harbour backdrop. Short legs kept the racing sharp across the opening two evenings. Wednesday’s breeze began at around 15 knots and eased, leading to the Super 40s’ second race being shortened to avoid Harbour traffic. Thursday brought an easterly of around 10 knots at the start, also easing as the evening progressed.
In the TP52 division, Matador won races three and four on both TPR and IRC, extending its winning run to three consecutive races under each system. On TPR, Matador leads with five points, six ahead of Peter White’s First Light and Virago, both on 11. Lee Hawksley’s Gusto sits on 13 points after finishing second in Thursday’s final race. The IRC standings also have Matador on five points, with First Light second on eight after two second places on Thursday. Virago is third on 11.
First Light tactician Gordon Maguire noted the new lineup is settling in as it works through early errors. He remarked, “The team are settling really well. Like all new teams, there have been teething problems and we are working our way through them. The super short course style racing has really helped us improve as a team quickly. Mistakes are highlighted and everyone is under pressure in this style of racing.”
Maguire expressed excitement for more breeze across the final three days. Gusto owner-skipper Lee Hawksley echoed this sentiment, stating, “Always tough in this company – but a great environment to learn and improve, which is really what this regatta is about for us.”
In the Super 40 Division, Grant Pocklington’s Anarchy won race three on SFR, ahead of Chris Dare’s Ambition and Scott Lawson’s Mittere. Karl Kwok’s Beau Ideal finished eighth but rebounded with a win in race four. The provisional SFR standings have Beau Ideal leading on 12 points, just one ahead of Anarchy on 13. Mittere is third on 15, with Ambition a further point back on 16.
Beau Ideal boasts a perfect four wins from four on IRC, leading on four points from Ambition on 13. Edge and Anarchy share 15 points. On ORC, Anarchy won race three and Beau Ideal won race four, with Beau Ideal leading overall with five points, ahead of Anarchy on 13 and Mittere on 15.
Anarchy tactician Mark Dorling credited owner-driver Grant Pocklington’s efforts on the boat and a well-assembled team for their performance thus far. “Grant has put a huge amount into improving the boat over the last 12 months. Add the right people in the right roles and it’s all come together. A fast boat makes my job easy!”
Dorling mentioned the short-course twilight format has been enjoyable, stating, “The regatta has grown from last year, bigger and better. Craig, Terry and the club have done a superb job.”
Race four also yielded strong results further down the Super 40 standings. Bushranger finished second and Mike Ritchie’s Revolver third on both SFR and ORC, marking Revolver’s best result of the series so far under both systems.
Friday 30 October shifts the programme to a twilight passage race, with the first warning scheduled for 6:00pm. Dorling hopes for a “good nor’easter and long legs up to Manly and back.”
Among the sailors balancing racing commitments with a special evening ashore are members of the Congressional Cup-winning Kairos Racing team. After Friday’s twilight race, they are expected to head across the harbour by boat to the Australian Sailing Awards, where they are finalists for Team of the Year.
Windward-leeward racing resumes on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, with first warning signals scheduled for 10:55am on both days. Live coverage on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November will be available on YouTube, featuring commentary from Nic Douglass, Peter Shipway and Katie Spithill.
Source: Nic Douglass | Sunset Media / Sailor Girl HQ | LGT Wealth Management Australia Cup
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