Well the Melbourne to Devonport race is done and dusted. Day 2 saw rain, lots of it with winds varying from plenty to not a lot. The yachts got to practice their reefing and sail changes many, many times as they crossed Bass Strait. With typically cracked sheets, speeds averaged around 7k which meant a fairly quick but wet race.

Boats finished between 5pm and 9pm in steady rainy overcast conditions, not great for photos or the Race Director and his team. Peccadillo was the first boat in and took out line honours with Soiree Blue the first mono hull and Line Honours winner. Competitors loved the welcome with hot pies (thanks to our sponsor National Pies) and cold beers waiting for them as well as plenty of smiles from our friends at Mersey Yacht Club. There was some concern over Pheonix who had rudder problems and were forced to jury rig a rudder, arriving late overnight to everyone’s relief. Well done to them.

Provisional results

IRC – 1^st White Noise, 2^nd Archie, 3^rd More Noise

AMS – 1^st Summer Wind, 2^nd White Noise, 3^rd Archie

PHS – 1^st Magique, 2^nd White Noise, 3^rd Summer Wind

Well done to Summer Wind for taking out the Rudder Cup as 1^st AMS

Meanwhile on the West Coast there is a fantastic duel for line honours between Lord Jiminy and Cadibarra 8. As of 4.45pm Thursday they are neck and neck closing on Storm Bay. Hopefully the weather gods will be kind to them up the Derwent as they converge with the Sydney to Hobart and Launceston to Hobart fleets. We think the leaders will arrive somewhere between 4am and lunchtime tomorrow (depending which wind model you trust) with the remainder of the fleet somewhere between 5pm and midnight tomorrow. The back of the pack have had to battle with light and frustrating conditions down the West Coast, something that was predicted and set to challenge competitors patience.

Hobart is set to greet competitors, despite overcast conditions and rain. There is a large crowd ready to cheer in the fleet, enjoying the Tastes of Tasmania at Constitution Dock.

Head down, cheer them in and enjoy.