EVENTS - 2010 HANSE OWNERS RALLY

The brightly coloured spinnakers of almost 40 Hanse Yachts lit up overcast Pittwater skies on Saturday, March 27. Gathered for the growing annual Hanse Owners Rally, crews met at Sydney’s Royal Motor Yacht Club for breakfast and a briefing of the days’ events.

The large fleet headed up Pittwater in a light southerly. Two divisions ensured that yachts without extras had a competitive race among themselves, while those with crew sailed to a mark farther out towards Barrenjoey. The fleet then anchored at the aptly named Hungary Beach for lunch and champagne delivered by tenders.

A fresh breeze was in by the start of the Perpetual Hanse Owners Trophy race. The handicap start and standard sail plan ensured all yachts had an equal chance of taking out the event. It was an exciting beat down to the finish line at Newport, giving all participants an invigorating sail home. The first three boats across the line were different models emphasising the close racing between the fleet that varied from 32 to 54 feet.

Displaying great style and sailed two-up by husband-and-wife team, John and Sarah Ball, the Hanse 53 Ballistic was first across the line and awarded the Trophy at the evening dinner/presentation. Live music and camaraderie between owners completed a successful day. The door prize, a set of Helly Hansen wet-weather gear, was gladly accepted by Peter Freeman, owner of Wraith.

Peter Hrones, managing director of Hanse importer Windcraft, said: “It makes me feel very proud, seeing all these people here bound together by one common interest, the love of sailing and the love of their Hanse Yacht.

“It is hard to believe that we only first held this event in 2007. It excites me to see where we can grow this concept of Hanse Down Under and what further adventures we can have together,” he said.

Windcraft Australia is located on Sydney’s Pittwater, phone (02) 9979 1709, email: boats@windcraft.com.au or visit www.windcraft.com.au

Photo: Young sailors get into the spirit of the Hanse Owners Rally.