'About Time' IRC handicap winner for the 30th Anniversary Pittwater to Coffs Yacht Race. Image copyright Damian Devine.
by Damian Devine
The CYC's Julian Farren-Price's Cookson 12 'About Time' has proven to be the jewel in the crown winning the coveted IRC handicap crown in the 30th Anniversary Pittwater to Coffs Race for 2011 in a corrected time of 30hrs 31mins 33 secs. It's about time he did it again following his victory in 2009 and his third place last year. Farren-Price was always going to be there or there abouts in this race proving he has been the model of consistency in recent Coffs races.
'About Time' on the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race. Image copyright Damian Devine.
He won from the RPAYC's John Bacon's Sydney 39CR ' Hussy', another pre-race handicap favourite who was unlucky not to take home the bacon this year, falling short by just under 15 minutes over the 225nm course. Bacon will pick up a deserved Division Two win for his boat and crew's hard work. The mighty 'Hussy' sailed a fantastic race.
John Bacon also delivered on another level in this race, donating his beautiful motor vessel, the 'Matthew Flinders', as the radio relay vessel for the race. Two vessels in the one race, now that's commitment and a tribute to his generosity!
The Hunter region delivered up the final place on the podium with the Beneteau First 40 'Close Halled', owned and skippered by Graeme Hall hailing from the Lake Macqaurie Yacht Club, just under eight minutes behind 'Hussy'.
The defending IRC champion, Bruce Staples in his relatively new Farr 40 'Witchcraft' was just over another minute back in fourth spot. This will be a pleasing result for Staples, who pre-race commented he just wanted to be the First Farr 40 home and "would take it from there". And take it from there he nearly did, being on the IRC leaderboard constantly throughout the race. He and the crew sailed out of their skin to punch above their IRC rating in a race not necessarily ideally suited to a Farr 40.
Having won the title last year in his Murray 37 Custom and the running conditions offered in this race, it can only be a case of what might have been had 'Dark & Stormy Witch' been on the race track this year. It may have just been back to back wins.
But as the song goes, "that was then and this is now" and congratulations must go to Julian Farren-Price for a marvellous effort. It's about time you're back in the winner's circle.
The Final PHS results will be announced once the final few boats cross the line in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Race
