This Week In Sailing – 1st February 2024

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This Week In Sailing – 1st February 2024

1 February 2024Blog, News, Sailing Blog

SUMMER OF SAILING SERIES AUSTRALIA (SSSA) UPDATE

Julian Rocks Yacht Race 2024 will be held this Saturday, with over a dozen boats competing for the prized cup as they race to Byron Bay and back. Keep an eye on the coast for the race fleet, heading South from 9am from the Sand Bypass Jetty start line.

The 31^st Surf to City is on again next weekend February 10^th with over 60 boats competing both Offshore and Inshore to Brisbane, starting from the Gold Coast Seaway.

MARITIMO 54 WINS FESTIVAL OF SAILS

Maritimo 54 Wins Festival of Sails! Bouncing back after the disappointment of being forced to retire from the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race onboard Maritimo 52, Michael Spies and his team sailed Maritimo 54 to victory in this year’s Festival of Sails in Victoria.

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This was the 181st edition of the Regatta which is the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere. Starting on Australia Day with a 235 fleet Passage Race from Melbourne to Geelong, Maritimo was well placed for an overall podium finishing 3rd. The team wasn’t overly happy with the boats tune and reconfigured overnight which further enhanced the boat’s performance particularly upwind. This new found boat speed saw the team win the last 2 races which saw them tie for points but taking overall victory on a count back. The Maritimo crew saw numerous Southport Yacht Club Members onboard including Neil Sherring, sailmaker Steve Jackson and Peter Jones.

Commenting after the win, Spies noted “Full marks to all the team who all lifted with a solid and consistent effort and never say die attitude all weekend. The conditions were mixed and difficult to master.”

The Maritimo 52 is now back fully operational and will be competing in the Surf-City Race then the Brisbane-Gladstone Race and will certainly be a competitor in the inaugural Gold Coast – Mackay Yacht Race in August, all of which will be a lead up to this years Sydney Hobart Race.”