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  • Tactical start out of the heads and then reasonably light winds up the coast

Tactical start out of the heads and then reasonably light winds up the coast

Tactical start out of the heads and then reasonably light winds up the coast

Tactical start out of the heads and then reasonably light winds up the coast

The Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race fleet will exit Sydney Harbour in light conditions making the start at 1pm today off Nielsen Park a very tactical one.

25 July 2009, 1000 hours

The Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race fleet will exit Sydney Harbour in light conditions making the start at 1pm today off Nielsen Park a very tactical one.

The Bureau of Meteorology delivered its final race forecast at this morning’s weather briefing with little change from previous days. For today’s start a light NW breeze of 5 to 10 knots is forecast with the wind changing to NNE into the evening.  Light westerly land breezes will mark a chilly Saturday evening with NNE winds continuing into Sunday, making it a tactical race for navigators trying to ensure that they do not fall into holes in the breeze.

With a strong southerly current and light conditions, each skipper and navigator will have to make the decision if they go wide.

Tom Addis, navigator of Wild Oats X said that the lighter conditions will be frustrating.  “It will be very hard for us to get away from everyone.  The conditions are right for the smaller boats in the fleet.  The bigger boats can wrestle with the inshore/offshore decision.  We’ll probably be going offshore for a bit and see what it’s like.”

Brett Filby, navigator of Tow Truck was still weighing up his options after this morning’s briefing.  “If we do go out offshore, we may find it a bit difficult to come back into the rhumbline.  It may be safer to stay inside and pick up what we can off the land breezes.”

An 80 boat fleet will take to the start line with Craig Cairnduff, Dealer Principal Audi Centre Sydney, firing the historic 19th replica cannon to commence the race at 1300hrs.

Keen enthusiasts can track the fleet as they sail up the coast as each yacht is fitted with the CYCA’s unique yacht tracking device which sends regular updates to the race website – http://goldcoast.cyca.com.au.  Details of all yachts participating in the event can be found under ‘The Yachts’ tab.  Line honours positions and handicap results will be updated regularly until the last boat cross the finish line.