Monday, 25 January 2010

Audi Victoria Week: Anthony Beck’s Escape leads S80 Series



by Di Pearson

In an all-Victorian event, Anthony Beck’s Escape from the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, had a narrow one today at Audi Victoria Week on Corio Bay, Beck’s two wins giving him a one point lead over two rivals.

Beck was not looking in good shape yesterday; his fifth place in the 34.3 nautical mile Passage Race left him out of podium contention going into the remainder of the six race series. However, Beck and his crew fought back on the shorter course races today, knocking off the rest of the fleet without a blink to take a slender lead of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club series.

“We are very happy with our lead and enjoyed the conditions and close racing,” Anthony Beck said today.

“Our mistakes were punished and good sailing rewarded. I’d like to say we sailed with skill and wisdom, but the truth is there was a bit of luck involved,” Beck said laughing.

David Collins’ Flying Circus from the local RGYC and Keith Chatto’s Mood Indigo from Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron are presently tied on 8 points, one point off the lead with three races remaining.

Flying Circus was the best placed S80 coming into today’s two races, but could not consolidate in Race 2. They bounced back with a second in Race 3 to stay in contention, while Mood Indigo has been the most consistent of the three, scoring 3-2-3 results – she will be the boat to watch.

The S80 Series continues on Corio Bay tomorrow, with Races 4 and 5 on windward/leeward courses.

Audi Victoria Week

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