Pittwater to Coffs Race

This year only one multi entrant (Team Australia) but the monohull contingent has grown.

Here is the tracker:

http://www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au/live/yacht-tracking

 

They've had over 100 entries in the past, which shows how the offshore fleets have generally collapsed over the last few years despite the longest economic boom in the nation's history. The fall in offshore multi numbers probably mirrors the general fall in big-boat sailing; gone are the days when Bags, Rainbow Express and others did the Christmas races out of Melbourne.

 

It (the multi fleet) was only a small fleet to collapse I believe is the problem and it has flow on effects for example when Bags ceased competing Cascades came out less often and a few other boats converted to cruising or were sold overseas. Multi numbers have strengthened somewhat over the last few years but there are not going to be any quick fixes.

Owners and their Boats come and go too for example the RMYC fleet had Chris and his Seacart30 racing and for now after competing in the Coastal Classic in NZ they have dropped off the radar for now.

Darren sold his Grainger 9.5 catamaran "Indian Chief" and has purchased the 50' Lock Crowther pod cat "Top Gun" and is intending to compete in offshore events like the Pittwater to Coffs but ran out of time to get new sails on the boat.

The number of potentially race ready monohulls and crews is higher at any given time so a few abscences from the multis means virtually none show up to certain events.

If Sean keeps supporting the events I think in time we will get more multis there to compete but it might take a few more years.

 

Team Australia have dropped their rig no injuries onboard and they are motoring back to Port Macquarie for repairs.

 

Good to hear no one hurt.

 

Actually it is Port Stephens they are headed for under motor and jury rig.

 

Beau Geste has arrived and taken line honours. It looks like Shogun V will be next to arrive.

article by Lisa Ratcliff on LiveSailDie:

http://www.livesaildie.com/line-hon...he-club-marine-pittwater-to-coffs-yacht-race/

 

The economic boom hasn't been evenly distributed hence a few very expensive maxis and far less mid sized yachts. Multihulls have been hit by rising costs, at least cruising boats have a fair chance of recouping some of the initial outlay.

 

Julian Farren-Price's Cookson 12 'About time' takes out the IRC handicap win more details on LiveSailDie:

http://www.livesaildie.com/pittwater-coffs-race-winners-confirmed-one-yacht-still-finish/