Cabbage Tree drag race

Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin-Loyal and Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats XI will face off for the first time since their Rolex Sydney Hobart stoush tonight (Nov 16) from 7.00pm, when the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Cabbage Tree Island Race starts -- and a new record could be in the offing.

The 180 nautical mile race is a qualifier for the 628 nautical mile race to Hobart, and as such, has attracted 35 quality entries. Most will be eying their forthcoming competition in this race, which also acts as a form guide for Hobart.   

This is the first time Fischer has raced the 100 footer he leased for two years in late October, ahead of buying the yacht from last year’s victor, Anthony Bell. Tonight will be a trial run for prospective crew members and those already committed.

Wild Oats XI is holder of the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Audi Sydney Gold Coast (Open record) and Cabbage Tree Island records.

With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting ideal 10-15 knot south-easterly winds on slight seas for Friday’s start, forecast to continue along the Central Coast and increasing in strength on Saturday to 20-30 knots, Wild Oats XI’s record of 14 hours 13 minutes 35 seconds could go.

Either way, the fleet will have an undeniably quick will downhill slide to the Island, although crews will have to juggle a 1.5 metre north-easterly swell along the way.

Back on the Harbour on Sunday, winds will be variable at around 10 knots, becoming north-easterly at 15-20 during afternoon, suiting the smaller boats keen to catch a good surf home.

For full race results of the Cabbage Tree Island Race and provisional Blue Water Pointscore Series standings log on to: http://www.cyca.com.au/sysfile/downloads/2012-2013summer/2012-13bwps/series.htm