It’s a wrap, 2015 Melbourne Stanley Race

The 2015 Stanley race promised lots and gave plenty. To begin with a strong fleet of 17 yachts graced the start. The expectation of consistent easterlies offering a reaching race with the possibility of a record finish time was exciting. The new ORCV trackers were all sending strong signals to the race manager and the fleet jostled for position ahead of the start.

Winds abated slightly and fluctuated in direction pre start. With a heavy traffic flow through the shipping lanes and abated breeze the race was delayed thirty minutes. A good start was made and the fleet passed out of the heads with some challenges negotiating the continuous traffic. Once clear everybody set a course on the rhumb line heading straight for Stanley. Good progress was made throughout the night and boats were making good speed. Early on Saturday morning a storm system passed by the fleet causing some fluctuating wind situations for the fleet. Several of the fleet found themselves in a lull and dropped back whilst others made good ground. As the day wore on the leaders stretched the gap on the rest and a couple of small groups developed behind the leaders, the battles within these groups were fierce as they were within sight of each other and pushing hard. 

Primitive Cool along with Cadibarra 8 and Rush had stretched the lead. By late morning Primitive Cool was making great time and looking good for the race record. Facebook was going crazy with interest and the Tassie locals were congregating in anticipation. However as often happens you need everything on your side to obtain a record and in this instance the winds abated a little, even though they moved North Easterly, and the fleet slowed again. All of this was clearly visible due to the accuracy and consistency of the new trackers.

The sea state was still good and apart from a few showers the crews were having a comfortable and fast sail. Primitive Cool took line honours followed by Cadibarra 8 an hour or so later. Rush and Extasea arrived in daylight and the locals who had been partying all afternoon welcomed them warmly. 

A significant gap had opened up on the rest of the fleet so now there was quite a wait for the next group. It was challenging communicating with the fleet with some HF radio challenges but the trackers made positions clear.  About 2330 the next of the fleet appeared around The Nut out of a gloomy fog. It was quite exciting for the next couple of hours as small groups of duelling yachts popped out of the fog around the big rock and rapidly closed on the finish line.

Three of the fleet made a rapid turnaround for home while the rest rafted up and walked across the road to enjoy the festivities in the old Stanley Cool Store hosted by Cheryl and the Lions club team and a range of local businesses. Steaks and Cold beers were the order of the day. A television had been especially installed so it was the World Cup and beers till the early hours

Those that had had a kip joined the all-nighters for breakfast, presentations and entertainment from the Navy Band. The more adventurous climbed The Nut in an unorthodox manner. Throughout the day some crews readied for an overnight return whilst others continued to enjoy the hospitality.

All in all everyone had a great race. Thanks go to the organising committee for getting everything set in place. The Lions Club did a fabulous job of creating a great mooring arrangement all brightly lit in the fishing harbour and adjacent to the entertainment. The new trackers did a great job and upgraded software will see them give a great overview for the Christmas series. Some work on the communications procedures will clarify things for The Tassie Trio and we look forward to seeing you all join in that series.