Hamlin Secures Title on the Final Day

With a tentative grin, GE/US Challenge’s Howie Hamlin and crew Mike Martin and Rod Howell, had it confirmed when they hit the beach, that they had managed to retain the JJ Giltinan Trophy for the second year in a row.

After a change was made to the results, the gap between GE/US Challenge and Rob Greenhalgh and crew Peter Greenhalgh and Dan Johnson on RMW Marine was reduced and completely changed the game plan for the final race of the series.

Sailing in a sou’easter of 15-20 knots the RMW Marine crew who have worn the leaders jersey for the majority of the series had their predicted first place snatched from them by GE/US Challenge. Both teams crossed the finish line showing no emotion as it was still unsure who was the winner but the skiff flying the champions ribbon in the boat park was the team from the USA.

The lead in the last day of the series was held for the entire race by Tony Hannan and crew Greg Windust and Cameron McDonald on Total Recall with GE/US Challenge taking second position and Hugh Stodart and crew Niall Kinch and Andrew Hay on Express Post, who had won the previous heat, taking third over the line.

Racing for the entire series has been a great display of sailing skill and ability to make the most out of every situation that occurs on the water. The 28 boats in the fleet sailed an exciting series that saw fantastic finishes on more than one occasion and provided the spectator fleet with some amazing viewing.

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