Short by a day

5:41 AM Wed 7 Jan 2009 GMT

'Shortwave enjoyed the reaching conditions at today's race start - Heemskirk Consolidated Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races' Teri Dodds &copy

A lot has been written about Matthew Short and the extended family crew that obliterated the M2H West record just a little while ago. One of the most interesting elements about this win however, is that it took just on a day and quarter less than his previous family affair, which was all the way back in 1974!

What a tribute - Matthew Short and crew racing in hommage to his Father, Fred. - John Curnow

His Mother, Joan (Navigator) and Father, Fred (Skipper and one-time ORCV Commodore) took a then 18 year-old Matthew and brothers Andrew (14 then and now owner of ASM, Shockwave 5 & Brindabella) and Jonathon (12) to Hobart on 'Pajen'. Brother Ian (16 at the time), was left behind in Geelong to compete in the Cadet championships.

Trainspotters will quickly realise that Matthew was indeed one of four boys and that all four of his own daughters were onboard 'Shortwave' this year. Also of note is that like Joan, Matthew's wife Christine is one who definitely believes women should be at sea. Yeah. Right on. We hope even more women come to racing and bring their style and glamorous boats with them.

'Pajen' was third on corrected time that year. That's pretty awesome for a little 30-footer who was already old in those days, but when you understand that she was designed and built by the late Jack Savage, it is really little wonder.

Thankfully, given that 'Shortwave' did so well this year in LH and IRC, we are not short on other good news stories for the Sovereign Series. Jock and Hamish MacAdie going two-handed on 'Isuzu Marine' took out both AMS and IRC. Pretty cool effort for the 2007 Melbourne to Osaka winners who had a little 'detour' via the Lorne pub on the way over the paddock. 'Magazan 53' won PHS.

Shortwave well under control by the extended family -M2H West - Teri Dodds&copy

In the M2H West itself, Laurie Ford with 'Spirit of Downunder' won PHS. This is especially pleasing for the seasoned campaigner, during his second period of ownership with the boat. Like Victor Kyam, he liked it so much he built it, then sold it like any good boat owner and then bought it back again! Laurie was originally slated to do M2H East, but changed at the last moment when the long-range weather forecast looked favourable for the downwind boat.

Looking for points for the ORCV Offshore Championship, he reasoned that last in the East fleet would offer more points than the smaller West fleet. Little did he know he would scoop the pool.

It is little wonder then, that during his acceptance speech he was sure he had got the decision '97% right' and the journey had '197 reasons for going down the West coast'. Not sure Alan Saunders on 'Ninety Seven' would see it quite that way, however.

In the end it has been a tremendous year for the M2H West and although a bit shorter than its S2H cousin, it is not short on dramatic weather, or scenery.

We hope more high flyers will take the M2H West on - 'It's more challenging and exciting' as Matthew and Sarah Short both commented.

by John Curnow

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