After yesterday’s racing was cancelled due to lack of wind, Dorade and the rest of the fleet at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week in Australia took to the water today, Friday August 25. Competing in IRC Division 2, the team raced in two races, taking first and fifth place, respectively, and goes into the final day of racing tomorrow in second place overall.
Full Friday Race: Tactician Kevin Miller
“The first race was a short 7.5-mile windward/leeward with the tide going against us downwind (good for us). We sailed well under tight circumstances – complete with lots of boats, crazy winds and currents – to take first place. It was one of those races where everything just clicks and it was a real pleasure to be on the water.
“The second race started off the same with a downwind start in 20+ true wind speed. Lots of boats were wiping out but the team onboard Dorade kept the boat on its feet, and we were easily in first at the first mark. Following the short downwind leg was a 10-mile beat in choppy seas, which is not our strong suite. We’ve learned a few things since the first race of the series and we were able to salvage a fifth place in similar conditions.
“We’re currently in second overall, and I’m afraid first is out of our reach, however we still have a battle on our hands to maintain our second place. The third place boat couldn’t be more different – a 4000-pound Farr 30 – so there’s really no way we can match race them. We just have to hope for courses and conditions that work for Dorade. It’s going to be an exciting finish to a great week of sailing. We’ve learned a lot and had a great time racing in paradise against some of the most talented and nicest people you could ever hope to compete against.”
