A huge congratulations to Sun Fast 3300 “Toucan” owner Edward Curry-Hyde and co-skipper Billy Sykes on their Double-Handed, and Division win in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Race!
Not only did Toucan take out their division, but they also finished an incredible 4th Overall, one of only two sub-40-foot yachts to crack the top ten. A truly outstanding result in a demanding offshore race.
After exiting Sydney Harbour, Curry-Hyde and Sykes faced a key tactical decision: follow the fleet offshore on an aggressive port tack, or stay inside. Choosing the latter, they found flatter seas and a favourable starboard tack in the early northerly breeze. This allowed them to come back in through Broken Bay and stay inside the rhumbline on the first night up to Point Stephens, navigating a confused sea state with precision.
By morning, the sea state eased, but the pressure was on, with Min River chasing hard and Rum Rebellion not far behind. Meanwhile, much of the fleet, including Volstar Yeah Baby (Class 40), J/99s Jupiter and The Gaffer, and First 40 Balancing Act, had opted to go wide offshore in search of stronger breeze and a favourable wind shift.
Toucan stayed the course, tracking the rhumbline and constantly adjusting as the wind strength and direction varied to keep the boat on it’s feet and powering. On the final day, they worried that the breeze might fade inshore, yet conditions held beautifully. A perfect sail combination gave them the edge to pull away from Min River, while they nervously kept an eye on the yachts coming back from out wide. However, those out to the East were in considerably more wind and sea state, which was exhausting, so it was hard work crossing back inshore over the current.
In the end, Toucan’s smart tactics, disciplined routing, and relentless focus earned them a well deserved victory.
And the best part? PBS has a superb sistership to “Toucan” available now. You too could join the winners circle this coming season…
© Performance Boating Sales