Competitors in the inaugural Navigator Dash yacht racing challenge between Devonport and Melbourne are studying weather forecasts to determine when they will set off to try and break the Bass Strait crossing record between the two cities.
Competitors in the inaugural Navigator Dash yacht racing challenge between Devonport and Melbourne are studying weather forecasts to determine when they will set off to try and break the Bass Strait crossing record between the two cities.
The skippers of Maxi yachts, Merit Navigator and Australian Skandia Wild Thing, are waiting for the right weather conditions to optimise their attempts on the record.
The Navigator Dash is a unique concept in ocean racing where entrants decide when to make their crossing based on weather and sailing conditions which suit them best.
Only a few days into the official racing period, beginning 3 January and ending on 15 January 2003, the very light wind conditions mean that all crews are likely to stay put at the Mersey Yacht Club in Tasmania for the time being.
The 82 foot Australian Skandia Wild Thing skippered by Grant Wharington and the 60 foot Merit Navigator skippered by Ian Treleaven are this year's largest and fastest entries. Both yachts are currently looking at departing mid week.
Beyond Outrageous, a 40 foot off-wind flyer owned by Tony Warren and Jason Douglas, is looking to beat the bigger yachts off the mark by leaving earlier and setting the pace first.
"The crews are not going to be in a hurry to leave given the current warm conditions and lack of wind," said race director John Duffin.
"They have until January 15 to complete the race, and will be looking to the weather forecasters in determining when the best time is to set off."
Merit Navigator skipper, Ian Treleaven echoes John's comments and states that good weather conditions are the most important component in the Navigator Dash.
"It is crucial to our performance that we begin the crossing under the most favourable weather pattern. We are looking for southerly winds that will push us to the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, where we will then have to contend with the tide," said Ian.
The skipper who records the fastest time in the Navigator Dash will be crowned "King of Bass Straight' and wins $10,000 if they beat the current crossing benchmark of 19 hours, 32 minutes and 58 seconds set by the yacht Prowler in 1998.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
John Duffin - race director on 0409 384 981
Bernadette Collins - Navigator on 03 9829 8818
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