Melbourne to Port Fairy (M2PF)
Brass Tipped.
No. Not some wanfangled bullet or rivet. Simply that The Brass have lobbed in a few more facts and predictions for your consideration set, as the fleet prepare for the annual run to Port Fairy.
The voice of the air, our Peter Clancy has also been watching, considering and evaluating. He offers some sage advice, "Loved Sancerre, but dont the tides play a big big part at Otway and beond, when the wind drops... Take your fishing rod for the big fish." Consideration of the ORCV year book would also be invaluable.
PredictWind models for our area of operation are below. With the breeze in early and on the nose, you'd think Independent Endeavour will enjoy it, as too the heavier cruisers, like Pretty Woman and Inception. Certainly they'll be the most comfortable. eXtasea is always a great bet for a win or a show and along with Chikara Outlaw, they will be making the best of whatever is on offer. The Beneteau pair of Bandit and Dry White will be looming around as well. All crews may well have to endure a bit of that famous Bass Strait washing machine as they make for Cape Otway. Mirrabooka will be making good way in the breeze and I would certainly want to know where Slinky Malinky was, too. I wonder if Eric will turn the AIS off????????
Now as it goes lighter, it will depend on where on is placed and what conditions those around you are experiencing too. Magazan 53 will do well in the lighter stuff, but if she has a lot of ground to make up from earlier, it may get tough. Alien, who had that very spectacular departure from the Rip last Christmas always features on or near the scoreboard, so it will interesting to see how they do early, in preparation for that anticipated lull. Geomatic Joker has performed well in the past, so could be a feature at any stage of this race. At this point, it is hard to see the downwind boats like Team Beyond Outrageous and Spirit of Downunder receiving conditions to play to their strong suits, but you never know as it should be sprung sheets by Lunch on Friday. Being lighter than some, this may mean they get to keep moving if it all goes quiet.
Time for Icpota, I say.
Start time - what a truly sensational outlook for going and sticking your nose out into the Paddock.
Noon on Friday - It's here where Spirt of Downunder, team BO and Chikara could make a good run...
0100hrs on Sat - getting soft.
1900hrs on Sat - ah yes - the ol' light and variable!!!!
So you know you want to go off with the fairies. This year's race gets underway April 22nd at 0330 from dear old Draper's Reef. Enjoy!!! You can still enter this wonderful race. Go HERE for details.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
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This is one hell of a Bring the shore crew - they'll love |
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