Ocean Racing Club of Victoria
Rob Blackburn

2023 Port Fairy Race Updates

 

Race Update - Jaffa, the first boat finished

Congratulations to Jaffa, skippered by Andrew Neeson taking line honours in the 2023 Port Fairy Yacht Race, finishing the race at 2:50:54 on Saturday 8th April.  

Race Update 11am – From the Race Directors on the Great Ocean Road.

With intermittent sunshine and mist and arriving on the Great Ocean Road around the Bay of Isles, the Race Directors have spotted the leading boats, Jaffa leading and under close chase by handicap leader Joker of Tourer. Since rounding Cape Otway, all yachts remaining in the race are now sailing along the Rhumbline with 6 – 8 knots of boat speed under winds of 21 knots SW – W and gusting to 27 knots all the way through the balance of the race. The prediction is still that the first boats will arrive mid-afternoon and the final boat Alien should arrive early evening in time for the Port Fairy Yacht Club BBQ, ORCV presentation and bands 2nd set
 
Joker on Tourer on Great Ocean Road Photo Chad
Joker on Tourer under chase
 
Race Directors on Great Ocean Road Photo Chad
Assistant Race Directors setup as Jaffa ducks behind the rocks behind them.
 

Saturday 8th April 8 am Update.

With the fleet just rounding Cape Otway having tacked all night in 13 - 18 knots from the SW, we see Jaffa still leading the fleet on line honours and race leader on handicap being with the double-handed entry Grant Chipperfield skipper of Joker on Tourer from Jaffa and White Spirit.  During the night the lead wasn't clear with Justin Brenan's yacht Alien leading for a short time at one point.  The fleet is now in a solid reaching position and will enjoy a faster journey to the finish and is anticipated to arrive in Port Fairy late afternoon. Overnight there were two retirements Alex Team Macadie and Foggy Dew who are returning home with all safe onboard. Follow them to finish here https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2023-port-fairy-race


Friday 7th April 3.30 pm - Race Start

 
The ocean race heading to Port Fairy got underway in light breezes at 3.30pm. White Spirit was first over the line with Jaffa first to navigate and exit the Port Phillip Heads. Watch the tracker tonight as the wind swings to the West and freshen before they turn at Cape Otway for what is predicted to be a fast-reaching finish as they head towards Port Fairy. On current predictions, the first boat is due in at mid-afternoon Saturday. You can watch the fleet on Blue Water Tracks here https://race.bluewatertracks.com/2023-port-fairy-race
 
start Photo Cyrus AllenA small fleet started in 5 knots of breeze Photo Cyrus Allen

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