The Nautical Mile – Edition 2.10
Sailing enthusiasts were glued to their TV and computer screens this week transfixed by the 33rd America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain. Aussie skipper James Spithill steered the 90’ Trimaran, BMW Oracle Racing to victory in Race 1 screaming around the course at speeds exceeding 20 knots in just 8 knots of breeze.
On a local front the Multihull Yacht Club of Queensland (MYCQ) hosted their Great Bay Race with six boats hitting the water in a “choose your own adventure” race. The competitors were given the option of three different courses to sail with the challenge in selecting the right course being a major factor for the unique event. The winner of the day was Akimbo skippered by Auchenflower sailor Robert Sherwood with Kestal taking out the handicap division with Richard Jenkins from Aquatic Paradise at the helm.
The next multihull event is on March 21 where the fleet will join the Manly Combined Clubs race, then on March 27 and 28 the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) will host the Queensland Multihull Championship as a lead up to the MYCQ Brisbane to Gladstone Multihull Race starting on Good Friday. Sailors from RQYS embraced Valentines’ Day by taking part in the annual Romantic Racing regatta.
Couples race against others in a relaxing atmosphere however the competitiveness kicked in with fierce competition displayed throughout the three races. The winning couple of the day was Paul & Kate Wyatt, with Paul retaining a perfect winning streak since taking out the Etchells World Championships with Manly local Jason Muir in January 2009.
33rd America’s Cup – www.americascup.com
Multihull Yacht Club Queensland – www.mycq.com.au
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – www.rqys.com.au
