Monkhouse Crew Top Off Great Season in Australia(Perth, WA, Australia)- Fresh from winning the IRC Double-Handed Division in Perth’s 2011/12 Offshore Series the J/122 LITHIUM amended its IRC certificate to Class standard sails for the Festival of Sail Around Rottnest Race. The IRC rating went from 1.058 in the double handed configuration (furling No. 3 headsail plus A5 spinnaker) to 1.086 with class standard sails. The change in rating proved worthwhile for the 31 nm Around Rottnest Race which was sailed in light conditions. The Race has a first prize of $2,000 and 26 of Perth’s top race boats lined up for the start.
Here's the report from LITHIUM's owner, Graeme Monkhouse- "We fluffed the first start, but there was a general recall. The second start was near perfect - boat end start with clear air and speed, on top of the larger boats, free to tack.
We picked the wind well for most of the race and as we rounded the west end of Rottnest we were a couple of hundred metres behind the overall leaders. "General Lee" was still behind us, after breaking the start, and we were close to the Farr 40 and a few 52 footers. Things were looking good.
A two knot wind provided slow work up the northern side of the island and saw us finish in a good position compared to similar size and larger boats.
As we motored into the anchorage, the wind increased in strength and the smaller yachts had a quick spinnaker ride to the finish. Unfortunately, the late wind change meant a smaller boat beat us on IRC handicap, dropping us to second place overall as we watched the scores trickle in. Nevertheless, a great night unfolded at the "Quokka Arms" pub for the crews of 70 boats who took part in the weekend. Our second place provided $1,000 for the crew to help celebrate. We had a fabulous time and love the J/122. Amazingly comfortable and fast boat!"
