The 2024 Hamilton Island Race Week is currently showcasing some of Australia's most thrilling sailing, with the Cape 31 National Championship serving as a major highlight. Day 3 of the regatta saw intense competition among the five Cape 31s battling it out in the Super 40 Class, with two close Windward/Leeward races on the Eastern Course.
Leading the pack after three days of fierce racing is David Ross' Kukukerchu, holding a narrow lead over Sam Haynes' B4-Celestial, with Julian Newton's Game On31 in a strong third place. The Cape 31 fleet, new to Hamilton Island, is also proving competitive under the IRC and PHRF divisions in the Super 40 category—a notable achievement for these 31-footers.
The competition is far from over, with three more days of racing ahead in the Whitsundays. Forecasts predict Southeast breezes ranging from 12 to 18 knots, promising even more action and spectacular racing imagery. The event, which runs until August 24th, has drawn top-notch sailors from across the country, all vying for the inaugural Australian Cape 31 National Championship title.
Among the standout competitors, Australian Class President Julian Newton, fresh off a win at Lincoln Race Week, has shown strong form with Game On31. Meanwhile, Kukukerchu, the boat to beat, continues to dominate after a strong performance at last year's Hamilton Island and a recent win at the NSW ORC State Championships.
Other notable entries include Perth-based teams Dirty Deeds (Alan Stein) and Green Arrow (Mirko Moeller), who have undergone rigorous training leading up to the event. Sydney Hobart winner Sam Haynes and his Sydney-based Celestialteam have also made a strong debut in the Cape 31 fleet, despite being new to the class. Haynes' experience in one-design racing, including a sixth-place finish at the J70 Corinthian World Championships, makes Celestial a team to watch as the regatta continues.
The Cape 31 National Championship at Hamilton Island is not just a race but a testament to the growing popularity of this dynamic class in Australia. With just a few days remaining, the competition is heating up, and sailors and spectators alike are eagerly anticipating the final results.
Stay tuned for more updates as the battle for the Cape 31 title continues. Live results - https://www.topyacht.net.au/results/2024/hirw/index.htm
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