The Alfred's News Alfreds News December-January 2017-2018 | Page 10

He was impressed with the fleet and the event, saying that despite the relatively small numbers, “competition was intense and you can’t beat ending up on the Gold Coast”. “It’s an enjoyable and worthwhile race,” Bob continued. “We would seriously consider coming back next year.” Pretty Woman, the Farr 45 co-owned by RPAYC Commodore, Michael Lockley, Richard Hudson and Russell Murphy, shadowed Nine Dragons the whole way to the Gold Coast, where Pretty Woman missed “slaying the Dragon by just 4 minutes.” The appeal of the P2P, according to Michael is the mixed bag of conditions that summer sailing delivers. “We sailed upwind, downwind, and used every sail. We enjoyed the full spectrum of sailing. We used three different spinnakers, as well as J1, JT and J2.” Gold Coast yacht, Auric’s Quest arrived at 12.27 AEDT, fourth across the line. Owner, Fred Bestall said he and his crew enjoyed this year’s race and would be back again in 2019. “RPAYC members were very friendly and helpful especially the competitors we met before the start and at the finish. We are looking forward to being part of the P2P next year.” Salvatore Ridulfo, owner of the First 44.7 Galileo, expressed his congratulations to all competitors, divisional winners and sailors, adding “We had an extraordinary exhilarating sail up the coast. We sailed for more than an hour with the same large pod of dolphins and we also saw a couple of large turtles off Fingal head and a spectacular two-dolphin show just off Main Beach. “I am impressed by the genuine hospitality and friendship extended to all of us competitors by the SYC from Commodore Kerry and all staff members who were all happy to assist in any way. This was a return to Southport for me after a few years an d i was glad to find that the core values and spirit of this club have not changed. I know that many Sydney and Pittwater sailors would seriously consider adding this event and the subsequent Bartercard Sail Paradise to their schedule.” Figure 6 - Race start with Nine Dragons taking the lead off the line From James Crowley, skipper of Javelin, an enthusiastic commitment to next year’s event. “We really enjoyed the P2P and are already considering doing it again next year, providing we can round up more crew – six just aren’t enough when you have 30 knots and a following sea!