24/10/2025
It was a 'cracking' evening as Kraken 42S and her Rolex Sydney Hobart 80th crew came together for our very first sail as a team — the Bellerive Yacht Club's Isle of Caves overnight race, kicking off at 18:30.
The breeze was spot on at the start. Kraken stretched her legs early, charging off the line cleanly and holding the lead until about half way down the river.
As we worked our way down the eastern side of Bruny, the wind built right on cue. By the time we reached the virtual mark, things were getting lively. A fairly tidy gybe around the VM, the S4 went up with a reef in the main, and off we went — Kraken absolutely sending across Storm Bay. We saw gusts nudging 41 knots and boat speeds touching 22 knots with a decent sea. As always Kraken took all this in her stride.
Rounding the Isle of Caves brought a few shifty puffs as the breeze bounced around the headlands, then we had the familiar early-morning Derwent River lottery. The crew dug deep, keeping Kraken moving through the light spots and carparks.
By dawn’s light (just prior to 5am), we crossed second over the line — and took first in all divisions on corrected time.
Couldn’t have asked for a better start with this crew — or a better boat. Big thanks to Ambition and Tenacity for the great racing, and hats off to the mighty Kraken, her crew, and Macca for a night to remember.
Thanks to Bellerive Yacht Club, Derwent Sailing Squadron and Doyle Sails Tasmania for all your support!
https://byc.org.au/results/OV25/series.htm
Thanks to Emma Grafton for the pics
