2011 Sydney City Marine X Yachts Australian Cup

On Friday the 14th of October a fleet of Danish designed and built X-Yachts raced for the 2011 Sydney City Marine X-Yachts Australian Cup.  The annual event is always well supported and it’s a great opportunity to have almost exclusive use of the world’s most beautiful harbour.

The conditions this year were ideal for racing with a moderate north easterly breeze and flat water.  For the Sports Class two
windward-leeward races were scheduled, while the Family Class enjoyed a more leisurely race around Sydney Harbour.  Apart from the usual rivalry between old foes, everyone was interested to see the new Xp 44 make her Australian racing debut.

The race committee from RANSA set a relatively short start line and there was plenty of action as the fleet tussled for position.  The X-41 Matrix_ came off the pin end at full speed to gain the early advantage with the X-442 Toybox on her hip and then Patrice  above her.  The crew on Patrice Six sailed the X-41 as high as they could to try to hold off the new Xp 44, but Xs Moment was able to hole her lane and climb up and over Patrice Six, then Toybox and finally Matrix

The Xp 44 showed a clean pair of heels to lead the fleet from that point, while the rest of the teams battled hard for the upper hand.

While the Sports Class were enjoying a close first race, the Family Class set off on a long upwind leg the entire length of Sydney
Harbour.  From there they sailed back to the leeward mark and then a reach towards the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  This was a highlight for Soren and Hanna Lynggaard, from the renowned Danish jewelry maker Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen who support the regatta dinner.

It was a fantastic opportunity for them to see our stunning harbor while they were here for their honeymoon.

Race two in the Sports Class was closely contested, but this time it was Patrice Six that made the early jump followed by Toybox.  Xs Moment once again showed the speed and height of the new Xp 44 and sailed away for another line honours victory with Patrice Six close behind and the corrected time winner.  Toybox sailed another good race to finish well within reach and secure another second place.  The fast finishing X-35 Hijinx just edged out Xs Moment on handicap to deny them third place and the overall title.

Following racing all of the crews returned to Ripples at Sydney Wharf restaurant for drinks, canapés and the presentation.  John Hickey from Sydney City Marine presented all of the prizes and spoke about the similarities between X-Yachts and Sydney City Marine, both companies offer world class products and service.  Everyone enjoyed a fantastic day of racing and all said that they’ll be back again next year.

X-Yachts Australia would like to thank our title sponsor Sydney City Marine and our support sponsors North Sails, Boatworks, Hood Sails, Sydney Rigging Specialists, Evolution Sails and Cruz Vessel Management for their support which made this great day possible.  We’d also like to thank RANSA, Scope Marine and Louise Smith for their assistance.