Swell time in Sydney

PROMINENT Tasmanian entries for the major ocean races later this month, 2Unlimited, Whistler, Filepro, Rad and Off-Piste, will use today’s Combined Clubs Inshore Series as a final race preparation before heading north to the starting ports.

Derwent Sailing Squadron is conducting the second race day of the Inshore Series with sailing manager Peter Watson planning two, hopefully three river races in the forecast sea breeze.

Greg “Enzo” Prescott’s modified Farr 40 2Unlimited is a casual entry in the Inshore Series, testing out new sails and other changes before setting sail for Sydney to contest the Rolex 74th Sydney Hobart race. This will be only the second race for 2Unlimited under the ownership of Prescott, a veteran of 27 Sydney Hobarts.

Renowned ocean racer Whistler is tuning up for the Melbourne to Hobart West Coaster. Other L2H entries racing today are Rad (Brent McKay), Filepro (Tim Gadsby) which won the Division 1 PHS category of the Maria Island Race, and past L2H winner Off-Piste (Paul Einoder).

MANY of Tasmania’s talented young sailors will be sailing in Bass Strait this weekend in the state championships for the

International Laser class at Devonport’s Mersey Yacht Club.

HOBART sailors Will Sargent and Nicholas Smart were due to fly back from Sydney last night after the final races in Sail Sydney. After eight races for the Laser Radial class Sargent was 10th overall in the 27 boat fleet, and Smart 13th.