The Alfred's News Alfreds News December-January 2017-2018 | Page 9

Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta
Wrap-up
The diverse fleet in this year’s Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta has hailed the event “a brilliant way to start the
year” and a great reason to travel north for summer on the Gold Coast, sightseeing and some competitive sailing.
Michael Martin’s TP 52, Frantic arrived first at Southport Yacht Club on Thursday 4 January at 07:24 AEDT, taking line honours
after 418 nautical miles, compared to nearest rival Nine Dragons which sailed 398 nautical miles. They had the Club to
themselves for a few hours and after a shower and well-earned beverage, they toasted their win over a hearty breakfast and
declared the P2P “THE best race we’ve ever sailed!”
Ahead of starting the P2P, Frantic made the return from Hobart, where they came 11th in their Division and 24th over the
line. The P2P was their first win of 2018 and something the whole crew are very proud of.
“It’s a new race and is gradually making a name for itself – it’s a
great destination,” said Mick of the P2P, hinting that they would be
keen to enter again in 2019.
Overall winner, Ray Roberts’ Checkmate of Hollywood, came in fifth
place and was unanimously admired for her looks and her
performance.
The legendary 40 year old, 50-foot, IOR Doug Peterson design
Checkmate of Hollywood was competing in her first Australian race
and after missing the Sydney Hobart due to damage on the delivery
to the start line, all eyes were on this classic yacht and she did not
disappoint.
Figure 4 - Line Honours Winner FRANTIC Mick Martin
“It was our first Australian race, after the disappointment of missing
the Hobart,” said Michael Spies. “We backed ourselves. The
competition wasn’t soft. Nine Dragons is an Australian champion. It
wasn’t ideal conditions for our boat, but the boat lived up to our
expectations – more than!
“Having run grand prix boats for 30 years, with a world champion crew, a mix of youth and experience, Checkmate was vastly
different. It’s a 40 year-old timber boat, not carbon fibre. She’s a lot harder to steer, but more forgiving in motion, not as hard
on the body. It was nice to have a hot meal and good sleep. We actually had an oven! It just proves the IRC rule is doing its
job.
“Full credit to Ray Roberts and his enthusiasm for
Checkmate and supporting this event,” continued
Spiesy. “He had a vision and supported getting this
boat back to Australia. For the crew, it was
different, we worked hard without breaking the
boat, learning about it on the way.”
Second over the line and winner of IRC Division 1,
Dk46 Nine Dragons, followed Frantic a few hours
later at 11.28 AEDT, but enjoyed a close battle with
the TP52 in the early stages of the race.
Nine Dragons’ owner, Bob Cox said his crew
enjoyed “a relatively easy race, with only a few
challenges when the number 4 spinnaker exploded,
but the crew did a great job”.
Figure 5 - Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta Winner (IRC), CHECKMATE OF
HOLLYWOOD, Ray Roberts