Fresh off the Cabbage Tree Race with a hard-earned 1st on PHS Double Handed and a close 2nd on IRC, Grant Chipperfield, co skipper of the J133 Joker X2, reflects on the lessons learned and the road ahead to the 5500nm Osaka race.
“It was a hard and frustrating race, but a great learning step,” he begins, recounting the highs and lows. Despite the boat being primed and ready and some meticulous pre-planning, the race underscored the need for constant adjustments. “The biggest learning is that we realised we need to micro-manage the plans, reviewing each hour and adapting as conditions change. Push out more, look at the weather more, and update the plan constantly” Chipperfield reflected.
Their strategy to stay close to the coast and keep Joker X2 in her sweet spot of 10-15 knots paid off early. “We avoided reefing, worked into the breeze, and tacked strategically to stay out of the current.” The result? A stellar start, finding themselves alongside 50-60 footers outside the heads.
Chipperfield admits frustration with the light air: “It’s something I need to learn to manage—it’s where we lost our lead. As we approached Newcastle, the high-pressure system pushed off the coast, trapping us in a light wind pocket which cost us about two hours with the fleet catching up. From here it was a game of ‘snakes and ladders’ as we battled rain and storms.
“We used the downwind run home to our advantage, pushing out to sea to find wind and current, and managed 10-12 knots of boat speed. We finished exhausted having treated the race as more of an overnighter, just working hard to keep the boat moving. For the next race, the Hobart we’ll need to plan for more rest.”
The team is also fine-tuning their setup ahead of the Melbourne Osaka race with the next race to test some new sails and satellite communication with reviewing energy efficiencies as a focus. “We feel there is some energy consumption with our main fridge, more than we need, so next race we will be trialing a car fridge. We did turn off the main fridge at night to conserve power.” continued Chipperfield.
Delighted in actually finishing, co skippers Maud Demazure and Saska Groen In’t-Woud on the Nautor Swan 38 yacht “Celeste” were just happy to finish saying that “Celeste isn’t made for light conditions and we learnt you could keep the boat moving through sheer determination” having said they will “never eat cabbage again” a comment made when they finally rounding Cabbage Tree Island.
A great race, to test crews and systems as they step forward, one step closer to Osaka and the start line in March 2025.