Pin End Strategy Leads Ginan to Victory in DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series Race 1
The fleet of 36 boats battling it across the start line / Photo by Michael Currie
Melbourne, VIC – Under crisp winter skies and a solid northerly breeze, the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria’s (ORCV) DYSC Marine Supplies Winter Series Race 1 delivered spectacular racing this weekend. With 36 boats lining up for the start, competitors were treated to classic Port Phillip conditions – shifting winds between 10 to 20 knots, flat seas, and plenty of tactical opportunities.
Enjoying the flare drill / Photo by Michael Currie
The day began with a rare and expertly coordinated on water practice distress flare drill session on the waters off Royal Brighton Yacht Club, offering sailors the chance to deploy a range of different types of flares under the supervision of CASA, Victoria Police, and the Port of Melbourne. It was a unique and valuable exercise in offshore safety training, reinforcing the ORCV’s commitment to both racing and safety preparedness.
Following the flare drill, race management set a dynamic course with a beat to the north of the bay, a long spinnaker run to Sandringham mark 5, and spinnaker finish to the finish line. With conditions varying across the course, smart navigation and tight teamwork were the keys to success.
The Botin Carkeek Gp 42 ‘Ambition’, skippered by Chris Dare, put on a commanding display from the outset and succeeded with an impressive line honours victory.
AMS Div 1 and overall AMS DYSC race 1 winner, Ginan crossing paths with Salt / Photo by Michael Currie
While competing in the Newport to Bermuda race this time last year, the J111 ‘Ginan’ Skippers Nigel Jones and Cam McKenzie missed out on taking part in the annual flare drill. This year, they achieved remarkable success, winning overall top honours (based on AMS). "Nigel gave us a nice start to the day, starting us off down the pin end, sitting behind Ambition and Salt we felt good about our position," McKenzie explained. "Later in the race we made a tactical call to stay out, and it paid off."
Meanwhile, Joel Matthews skippered Godzilla to 1st Place in Division 2 AMS, returning to the racecourse after a full hull respray and refit – and straight into the winner's circle. "None of the crew had sailed together before, or sailed on this boat," Matthews said. "While Godzilla prefers sub-8 knot conditions, the boat handled the brisk breeze...We were overpowered early, but made up serious ground on the downwind and final upwind legs," Matthews added.
Crew on board Ginan / Photo by David 'Doc' Sturge
Also putting in a strong performance was the Beneteau First 44.7 ‘Another Chapter’ skippered by Greg Clinnick, who missed AMS victory by a mere 14 seconds (based on corrected time) behind Ginan. The crew showed consistency, speed, and smart handling throughout, cementing their place as another boat to follow throughout the development of the DYSC winter series.
In the double handed category, veteran sailor Jock MacAdie skippered Alex-Team MacAdie to victory in the PHS division, making the most of the light start and building breeze. "It was one of those days where everything aligned," said MacAdie. "Flat water, a good working breeze, and a solid teammate who did most of the heavy lifting!" Jock's pedigree in short-handed sailing is well known – having won the 2007 Melbourne–Osaka race with his son Hamish. "We've been sailing this way for a long time. The boat's set up for it, but it takes time to get it right. Not just technically – you've got to race well, too."
Attention now turns to the popular Winter Series destination races to Geelong which is up next on July 5th where opportunities are given to Novice crews on July 6. Entries are open here.
Full race results can be found here.
