(Perth, Fremantle, Australia)- Graeme Monkhouse sailed his recently
acquired J/122 LITHIUM in his first double-handed race. Graeme
purchased LITHIUM after a long selection process. The objective was to
find a boat which can be comfortably cruised with the family, be
competitive on IRC, and have a turn of speed which keeps the excitement
levels up. The J/122 ticks all the boxes. LITHIUM reduced its IRC
rating from 1.086 with class sails to 1.058 with a furling number 4 jib
and A5 spinnaker to suit double-handed sailing in the predominantly
fresh Fremantle breezes. Good move. The "Fremantle Doctor", if you all
recall, was the notorious wind that smoked many an America's Cup program
in 1987 with steady 20-35 knot breezes!The first offshore race of the Perth summer season saw record numbers compete in gentle, uncharacteristic 0–12 knot winds. The Double-handed race was a 25nm course off Fremantle. The race started in no wind before a south westerly change saw spinnakers hoisted to the day buoy. In 5 knots of breeze the fleet sailed close hauled 5nm before tacking for a 4nm reach into the shipping channel. LITHIUM set its Code Zero to great advantage and was doing over 8 knots in under 10 knots of breeze. A 6nm beat up to Garden Island saw the lead narrow and it was a close battle for first place at the rounding mark. However the 6.5nm square run down the channel saw LITHIUM drop back. A 2.3nm broad reach to the finish and LITHIUM crossed the line second and placed 2nd on IRC, a tantalizing 56 seconds off 1st place.
