2009 Audi IRC Australian Championship

The Audi Hamilton Island Race Week has been run and won, with Queensland Rod Jones taking out the major prize.

Claiming victory in the Alegria, an Archambault 40, Jones won the final race to give him a two point advantage – ousting New South Welshman Graeme Wood's JV 52, Wot Now.

Third place was taken by Melbourne-based Michael Hiatt's Farr 55, Living Doll.

After winning the event and sealing the Audi IRC Australian Championship, Jones said, "We’re pretty excited; although I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet. It’s my team and team work – they get me around the race course and I just do as I’m told – most of the time!"

"I’m lucky to have a well-bonded team. All of them are good. I’ve got Adrian Finglas calling tactics, Bucky Smith trimming and James Hawker navigating. All the crew are good," said an ebullient Jones.

The major prize for winning the Audi IRC Australian Championship was an Audi A6 allroad quattro valued at around $115,000 and the Audi IRC Australian Championship Perpetual Trophy which was designed by John Woulfe.

The Audi IRC Australian Championship comprises four events: Audi Victoria Week, Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta, Audi Sydney Gold Coast Race, then finally Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

Jones and the crew of the Alegria took Division 2 line honours for the first two Championship regattas and would have sealed the deal in the Sydney Gold Coast Race were it not for a penalty.

"We copped the penalty for missing a radio sked. We opened the door to adversity and they drove the bus in! The lesson is, ‘don’t miss a radio sked!’ Having said that, it made us try even harder at Hamilton Island,” Jones explained, which was crucial to taking the overall victory.

Rod Jones also won the event in 2006, making this his second Audi IRC Australian Championship win.