Foreign Affair Dominates First race of New CYCA Offshore Series
Sydney, Australia – Matt Wilkinson’s Foreign Affair delivered a commanding performance Saturday, securing first place in both PHS and IRC standings at the inaugural Network Marine Insurance Summer Short Offshore Series, a new event on the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) calendar. Perfect sailing conditions – sunshine and a consistent 8-knot breeze shifting from WSW to ENE – greeted the 14-boat fleet off Sydney Heads for the windward/leeward Race 1.
The Summer Short Offshore Series aims to provide competitive racing opportunities for a diverse range of yachts throughout the summer season, bridging the gap between shorter twilight races and longer offshore classics. this series offers crews a chance to hone their skills and test their boats in preparation for major events, while also fostering a vibrant racing community. The next race, a passage race, is scheduled for September 27th.
Wilkinson described his team’s success as a result of a bold tactical decision. “We had a blinder,” he said. “We went hard left off the start and got a 30 degree wind shift. We got to the top mark ahead of nearly everyone and that was our race.”
in Division 1, edward Cox’s Minerva topped the PHS results, while Darryl Hodgkinson’s Victoire claimed victory on IRC. First Light, skippered by David Jacobs and Roy Melick, secured first place on PHS in division 3.
Race 1 Results – September 13, 2025:
PHS DIVISION 1
- Minerva
- Never a Dull Moment
- About Time
IRC DIVISION 1
- Victoire
- About Time
PHS DIVISION 2
- Foreign Affair
- Highway Patrol
- Windhover
IRC DIVISION 2
- foreign Affair
- Local Hero
- Highway Patrol
PHS DIVISION 3
- First Light
