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(Hamilton Islands, Australia)- This year’s Audi Hamilton Island Race
Week featured a little bit of everything for the sailors- from a
gorgeous, brilliant first day of sailing, to pop-up rain storms, to
spectacular sunrises and sunsets interspersed with rain and sun. Never a
dull moment for the large fleet of boats that kept criss-crossing the
Dent Passage from August 16th to 22nd.
When the weather is “on”, it’s simply stunning. Perfectly situated on
the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, amongst Queensland's seventy-four
Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other:
glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral
reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities
almost too numerous to mention.
I
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the end, it was the J/133 EUPHORIA, skippered by Anthony Coleman, that
had a week-long battle for the top of the podium in EHC Racer-Cruiser
class. And, fittingly, the entire regatta came down to the last race in
a “who beat who” scenario to determine the winner. However, the
outcome was a surprise, with EUPHORIA taking 2nd in the race, but not
good enough to win! Having to settle for the silver as a result of
being tied on 23 pts each and losing the tie-breaker! Nevertheless, a
great performance for Coleman’s team and chances are likely their
performance will only whet their appetite to return in 2016 to seek the
overall title!
In addition to the large cruiser classes that dominate the event, the
2015 Australian IRC Championship was taking place. In the IRC 4 Class,
Chris & Bernadette Morgan’s J/130 RAGTIME had their moments of
brilliance, but could only managed a mid-fleet finish, taking 7th in
their class. For
more AUDI Hamilton Island Race Week sailing information.