The Alfred's News Alfreds News December-January 2017-2018 | Page 12

The inaugural State of Origin Trophy, awarded based on the lowest aggregate score of the best three boats from NSW and
the best three boats from Queensland in the IRC Overall results. NSW was victorious, fielding the majority of boats in the
fleet, and took the trophy with pride, challenging more Queensland yachts to come onboard in 2019.
Figure 8 - State of Origin Winners, NSW, OCL1, Nine Dragons & Checkmate of Hollywood
Commodore of SYC, Kerry Noyes said the 2018 Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta was “a fantastic event with lots of
positive feedback”. “Everybody had a great race up the Coast. Crews absolutely loved it. Feedback had been that they were
glad to have sparring partners to race against. Like a race within a race. It made for interesting conversations in the bar
afterwards! At the presentation, all competitors said they would come back next year.
“Once they go back and start talking in their Clubs, they will encourage more yachts to join them in 2019, and the race will
only grow and grow.”
RPAYC Commodore, Michael Lockley agreed, saying “we had a quality fleet, small, but quality, which invokes the best racing
possible”. “For example, Pretty Woman and Nine Dragons were never more than 2 miles apart and that made for tight and
thrilling racing, which is what people go out to do – race boat on boat out on the ocean.
“Full moon racing makes night time racing very scintillating – that’s very special,” Michael continued. “Arriving at the beautiful
Southport Yacht Club was wonderful, and our hosts Kerry and Ray and the team at SYC made us feel welcome. It was
sensational!
“I invite all those Club racing boats, both cruiser racers and Grand Prix boats to enter next year’s Pittwater to Paradise. This is
an event for you, especially boats from 35 to 55ft. There is great competition in this boat size bracket and rating certificates
reflect this.
“Our aim is to attract a quality fleet of skippers and continue to be a nurturing ground for up and coming sailors and those in
our Youth Development program. “All in all, the Pittwater to Paradise ticks all the boxes and it will grow because people want
to do that type of racing at that time of year. Pretty Woman will be back for sure!”
Dates for the 2019 Club Marine Pittwater to Paradise Regatta will be 2 January, 2019.