Yachtsmen triumph in blue water classic

Three Hardy's Bay yachtsmen have triumphed in the Broken Bay Inter-Club Challenge series.

Local residents Mr Adrian Williams, Mr Terry Feltham and Mr Allan Adolphson piloted the 30-foot yacht Chelsea Liz to success in the blue water classic.

"Now in its 20th year and attracting top class fields, the challenge has become a popular fixture on the racing calendar consisting of four stages with each individually hosted by the competing clubs including Avalon, Gosford, the Hawkesbury River and Royal Motor Yacht clubs," group member Mr Allan Wilson said.

"The gruelling 30 nautical-mile sectors are traditionally highlighted by the testing Three Islands race embracing Lion, Dangar and Scotland islands, and the Brooklyn Bash that takes in the Hawkesbury River Sailing Club segment.

"There was certainly no lack of experience behind Chelsea Liz's success.

"Skippered by Adrian Williams, a veteran of 10 Sydney to Hobart campaigns, with his colleagues also blessed with extensive yachting background, Chelsea Liz overcame a field of more than 60 boats in claiming individual handicap points score honours to underline its consistency.

"According to the authorities, conditions throughout the series reportedly varied from flat calm to 40 knots, oppressive heat and pelting rain.

"The Hardy's Bay involvement with the Broken Bay Challenge didn't end with the yacht and its personnel.

"The handsome trophy presented to the Chelsea Liz team as the winners of the 2010 Classic was crafted by local resident John Woulfe, a designer and sculptor who was chosen by the Royal Motor Yacht Club to undertake the commission."

Newsletter, 20 Sep 2010 Hardy's Bay Residents Group