The anticipated weather forecast proved correct with strong westerly winds building to over 40 knots at times. Unfortunately Jim had taken ill the week prior so George Hendy and Will Tiller took charge of the helm. Pre-race briefing was about sailing safe and making it to the finish as fast as we could without compromising the crew or boat.
The race started amidst a 30 knot wind squall and poor visibility. Gennaker hoist on the start line and shortly after a gybe onto port and GEORGIA led to fleet out past North Head with the plan to lay Rangi before a bear away. Unfortunately that plan didn't happen and a nasty 40 knot squall hit causing a broach and a drop to the headsail giving V5 the opportunity to get through.
Another sail change off East Coast Bays and with a steady 20 - 25 knots we were at Flat Rock by 11.35. At the back of Kawau we set up for a course taking us outside the Hen and Chicks. Ahead was V5 and following were RAN TAN and IA KAHA while WIRED separated and took the inside track.
We arrived at the Brett at 5pm behind V5, WIRED, KIA KAHA and RAN TAN. Fifth and final sail change of the day and we hardened up onto the wind for the last slog of the race. After excellent sailing, GEORGIA passed both RAN TAN and KIA KAHA before gear damage struck. The spectra loop on the jib blew apart and then the replacement sheet broke meaning we had to drop the jib twice within minutes. It was all that KIA KAHA needed to regain her advantage.
GEORGIA crossed the finish line at 19.01 hours in 4th place after a great ride in predominantly power reaching conditions.
Sabra Davies
Skippers: George Hendy, Will Tiller
Crew: Chris Funnell, Emma Hendry, Harry Thurston, Jackie Hendy, Jim Delegat, Keryn McMaster, Matt van Kretschmar, Pete Waters, Ricky Royden, Russell Macefield, Sabra Davies, Shaun Mason, Tom Kearney.