Pallas Capital Gold Cup Act 2 Day 1
by Nic Douglass 5 Apr 15:49 NZDT
5-7 April 2024
Pallas Capital Gold Cup Act 1 © Nic Douglass for @sailorgirlHQ
The 11 TP52's will stay on shore today following the abandonment of day one of Act 2 of the Pallas Capital Gold Cup, sailing as part of the IRC Nationals and SailFest Newcastle.
An expected southerly front with breeze and sea-state not safe for racing stirred mixed reactions, though one thing is certain, the Pallas Capital Gold Cup is about more than just the racing!
"For me it's just the camaraderie through all of the owners", said David Doherty, owner of Matador, the winner of the first act of the Pallas Gold Cup on TPR.
"When you are on the water it's punchy out there, we are aggressive, we all want to win, but there is respect there", commented Mark Spring, owner of Highly Sprung.
"When we are off the water, what a bunch of really good people", who will enjoy a variety of activities today, from lunches, some opting for an early test sail, to off-water sessions.
Principal Race Officer Denis Thompson considered attempting an early windward-leeward race, or holding the fleet onshore, but given the swiftness expected for the oncoming southerly, decided to abort the entire day rather than risk any issues with the fleet or committee vessels.
"I can say comfortably the best fleet in Australia is the TP52 fleet", Spring commented.
"It has come so far, just in the three years that we have been in it", stated Doherty.
"The boat that is last in one race, might be third in the next one, and it's just really compressed the field, it's really good".
"It's a great series, we have three more events, over weekends in Newcastle, Port Stephens and Pittwater", finished Spring.
The racing starts will be live on the TP52Aus Facebook page, with images and video to follow.
Thanks to sponsors Pallas Capital and Zhik for their support.