RON JACOBS REPORT FROM PORT LINCOLN
FOR THE LUCKY FEW
I was fortunate enough to be invited aboard Kym Clarke's North Sails powered Sydney 47 CR "Fresh" which together with 47 Boats faced the starters gun for the 2017 Teakle Classic Adelaide to Port Lincoln Race, a 150 miler in what is typically a short beat to windward followed by a reach to Stanley followed by a 70 mile run to the finish. This year however was an uncharacteristic 15/20 knot work to Cape Stanley, then a jib top reach with the south westerly gusting to 35 knots which favoured the lighter displacement yachts that planed their way into Lincoln.
The "lucky few" that stayed for the well formatted 4 day regatta sailed within the confines of a not so large bay which made for some very enjoyable flat water racing, where treated to 4 windward leeward races sailed in 6 -12 knots together with 2 passage races, the 1st sailed in 15-20 and the second in 25- 35 knots.
All in all, a variety of racing where every yacht competing had their chance to shine under the various handicap categories, be it IRC, AMS or Performance handicap. On board Fresh we finished the regatta with a very creditable 3rd on IRC to the 2 Tp 52's Secret Men's Business and Celestial, 4th on AMS and winning the PHS Div 1 prize.
However, the main attraction of the Teakle Port Lincoln Race Week, in what could best be described as a lifestyle event showcased all that this destination has to offer.
The social side was reminiscent of Hamilton Island race week in days of past with the competing yachties all gravitating to the Marina Hotel for pre-race and post-race banter, where the daily presentations including random prizes of fresh lobsters where held.
Other Functions included the presentation of the 150 miler with beachside live entertainment playing all afternoon, a cocktail party that showcased what Port Lincoln is famous for "unbelievable seafood". Meggas Beachside bbq following race 4 is an institution!
The locals go out of their way to help make your stay memorable, I will be back to race but also to spend a longer time in this very enjoyable part of Australia.
Sponsor Peter Teakle has committed to backing the event for the next 4 years and I am sure he has some very impressive ideas to improve the regatta even further. Stay tuned!
