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29 December, 2007 9:27:00 AM AEDT
Rosebud hangs on to overall lead overnight
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Zephyr is in contention for the Tattersall's Cup
Yacht Owner
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Roger Sturgeon’s STP65 Rosebud is tightening its grip on the Tattersall’s Cup this morning. Her most immediate challengers, Ray Robert’s Quantum Racing, Geoff Ross’ Yendys and Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin last night all failed to finish in the time required to edge out the American yacht.The Derwent River had decided their fate, the breeze dying on them as they clawed their way to the finish line. The three highly fancied grand prix yachts held a mini regatta on the river, Yendys and Quantum Racing crossing the line in a dead heat at 3:12am with Ragamuffin just seven minutes behind, but it was all too late.
Andrew Short’s Toyota Aurion V6 finished four minutes behind Ragamuffin, the last boat to reach Hobart during the night. Of the yachts still at sea, James Connell and Alex Brandon’s Farr 1020 Zephyr is the one with the best shot at disappointing Sturgeon. The little boat has sailed a wonderful race, flirting with the handicap lead ever since the race began on Boxing Day. She must finish by 2am tomorrow morning. Her estimated time of arrival at 0630hrs this morning was 4am and at 0930hrs it had extended to 0517hrs. The little Farr 1010 now has to make up three hours over the next 14 hours. It is a big ask. She is currently making good speed down the Tasmanian coast in a good northerly breeze, but the wind is forecast to swing to the south this afternoon. In her favour, if Hobart enjoys a hot day as expected, the sea breeze could turn that southerly into an easterly, pushing her up the Derwent.
Provided, of course, the river doesn’t decide to close the gate at midnight, as it did last night.
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