Coast yacht in top five

GOLD Coast yacht Auric’s Quest was last night making good progress in the Pittwater to Paradise ocean classic.

Under skipper Fred Bestall, the sole Southport Yacht Club racer in the 17-strong fleet was fifth passing Yamba on the NSW north coast.

Sydney yacht Frantic, skippered by Michael Martin, was leading easily.

The Pittwater to Paradise started in Sydney on Tuesday and Frantic and the other leading yachts were expected to cross the finish line off Main Bech early this morning.

Auric’s Quest has been in Bestall’s hands for 18 months after he bought a boat that won the 2002 Sydney to Hobart handicap honours racing as Quest.

Most of the fleet that headed north will stay on to contest the Bartercard Sail Paradise regatta off the Gold Coast from Saturday to Tuesday when Bestall will be defending his 2017 title.