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Il Duce and the South Pacific

by John Curnow 3 Jun 2018 04:28 UTC
GABO - Got A Bit On!!!! - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race © Andrea Francolini

Il Duce (photographer extraordinaire Andrea Francolini) was up in the whirly bird for the start (finally) of the re-instigated Sydney to Noumea Race. Here is his gallery of wonderful images.

After the miserable weather that delayed the start, bet the fleet is keen to get to Noumea, some sun, warmth, and drinks...

The coloured sails are meant to be for'ard of the stick team - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
The coloured sails are meant to be for'ard of the stick team - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

How flat would you like your ocean graded? Just tell Eve... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
How flat would you like your ocean graded? Just tell Eve... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Pretty as, well, a picture - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Pretty as, well, a picture - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Giddy up!!! And with a chicken 'chute too... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Giddy up!!! And with a chicken 'chute too... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour. At least the breeze is blowing in the right direction. - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour. At least the breeze is blowing in the right direction. - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Time to set the staysail and get going! Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Time to set the staysail and get going! Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour. Love the gybe angles. Need a lot of pace to make that up!!! - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour. Love the gybe angles. Need a lot of pace to make that up!!! - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Now that is old school - winches on the deck!!! One Sails are gonna love this one... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Now that is old school - winches on the deck!!! One Sails are gonna love this one... Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour at last - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini
Fleet leaving Sydney Harbour at last - Ponant Sydney to Noumea Race - photo © Andrea Francolini

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