Melbourne to Port Fairy (M2PF)
1115!
Well done to all boats who persevered and completed the 2011 Melbourne to Port Fairy race. Not only did you dig deep into your fortitude to weather out the weather in a marvellous Bass Strait washing machine event, you dug deep into your pockets and raised $1115 for the annual Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Even The Secretary, who were racing from the ORCV control van, contributed to this cause, which has been going on as apart of the race for well over 25 years.
The dear old van sure gets around. Here it is at the old Stanley Station.
The fleet was somewhat decimated and got down to just the ten left completing the course. From the van, Robyn tells us that, "The shark boats have come into the Moyne River, as it’s too rough out there for them. There are 4 to 6m seas and it is NASTY. However, it’s not raining and we notice that the wind has eased here (in the backyard of the club on the river, in the van, with the doors closed). Then again, it was rather nice in the pub in front of the open fire earlier, too. I think we got the best gig this weekend!"
Lynda Brayton was keeping Robyn and George company in the van. She had this to say of her experience, "Whilst the remaining boats battle the elements, the Race Directors are enjoying the view across the Moyne River, where there isn’t even a ripple on the water. A seal is frolicking around in the river and the shark boat fisherman are no doubt enjoying their night off in the warmth. They decided it was too rough for them to venture out! Hope there isn’t going to a shortage of flake in Port Fairy!"
"From the current location of the ORCV van, the queue at the fish and chip shop, which is situated directly across the river, is getting longer by the moment. I bet if they could do a chopper drop off to the yachts racing, it would be very welcome, but then again, maybe not. Just handed to them once they dock might be better. The Race Directors are currently bunkering down for a nanna nap and then there's the big decision of what to have for dinner, before getting to work on preparing for the finishing boats", Lynda tells us, as a way of explaining the often arduous task of waiting...
In the end, just ten vessels completed the racing course. Well done to you all. Ben O'Brien got the job of driving eXtasea when the boss had to step off and he rewarded his owner with a Line Honours win and gold for the coveted IRC, along with AMS and PHC!!! What an emphatic statement for our friends from Geelong. Bandit from Sandy had a great race too. Ashley Trebilcock's Beneteau First 40 was second home and took silver in all three handicap classes, as well. Chikara Outlaw was third home and got third in PHC for their efforts as well. ORCV Commodore, Don Fraser, got third in IRC and AMS with the other Beneteau First 40, Dry White.
All reports presently, indicate happy crews, with some well on the way to getting back to the Heads. Cannot wait to hear from those with the SeaBiscuit bands. As we say, well done to all. When The Paddock gets like that, it's not a pretty sight. Amazing how Scotty can never hear you on the communicator, too. How is that?????????????
So you want to know who went off with the fairies. Go HERE for the full results.
© John Curnow, ORCV Media
Please contact me for re-issue rights.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
This is one hell of a Bring the shore crew - they'll love |
|
