Cat Flat Chat favoured if light winds in Brisbane to Gladstone race

by Ian Grant on 25 Mar 2002 A changing weather system has installed the fast lane sailing Gold Coast catamaran Flat Chat as the favourite to take line honours in the 308 n/ml Multihull class Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Class officials have nominated Flat Chat to be the star performer in the high performance fleet, which has also attracted an entry from last years record-breaking line honours trophy winner Rogntudjuuu skippered by Philippe Coste from New Caledonia.

The officials have based their prediction on a lighter wind forecast and the ability of Flat Chat to develop speeds in excess of the prevailing wind velocity.

She is also smaller and lighter than Rogntudjuuu and therefore has a higher power to weight ratio, which is suited to lighter wind systems.

However Flat Chat will still have to cover the fast miles because if the winds freshen and lump up the seas then her crew will face a 'torture test' on the spray lashed trampoline to stay ahead of Rogntudjuuu.

The power sailing big catamaran produced a sensational time last year when she produced the record smashing 20 hour 35 minute 2 second elapsed time.

Skipper Coste and his astute sailing master Geoff Cruse a veteran of numerous Brisbane-Gladstone races remain confident despite the swing in the wind and moderating winds.

Recent modifications to the Quantum racing sails on Flat Chat has developed improved speed as proved with her record smashing win in the recent Southport to Brisbane Surf To City race.

'There is no mistake we will have our backs to the wall in trying to match Rogntudjuuu in fresh breeze when their longer waterline and sail power comes into play'.

' Our best chance rests with light to moderate winds and of course flatter sea conditions, hopefully the forecast will fall into our preferred wind zone after the big blow mover through on the weekend, a lot can change in four days'. Morris said.

The possibility of light winds will also favour the well-sailed trimaran Kiska skippered by Jim Fern to challenge for overall handicap honours.

Fern converted to sailing in the fast lane after winning the Performance Handicap class in the 1996 monohull race with Springloaded has the experience to cope with sailing Kiska to her low handicap rating and it would not surprise to see this crew claim a career best win.