Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta - Making Hay While the Sun Shines

March 9, 2010:  SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - - Lauren Calder, skipper of Audi Sunshine Girls is continuing to make waves in the Laser SB3 division.

Competing in her second Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta with her all girl crew (Lissa McMillan, Ali Blundell, Bec Bohling), Calder said she is getting more comfortable with managing the traffic on Sydney Harbour for what is undoubtedly one of the busiest weekends of the year.

SIx races were sailed inshore over the two day event in nor'easterly conditions where gusts peaked at 25 knots on the final day.

"We finished 6th overall in the fleet which is a spot better than last year so we are improving. As with everyone in this class we are getting more familiar with the boat. We are a very competitive class but we also very social off the water," Calder said.

Calder gained some valuable international experience in September last year when she raced in the Laser SB3 Worlds in Cascais, Portugal.

'Audi Sunshine Girls in action at Sydney Harbour Regatta' - photo credit Lulu Roseman

"Since competing in Portugal I am making more tactical decisions downwind especially with the asymetrical spinnaker, winding it up and sailing harder.  The overseas experience also has also made me more comfortable racing among a larger fleet. We sailed conservatively and didn't take too many risks," she said.

Calder's mentor and sponsor Rod Jones finished at the top of the leaderboard on Club Marine Blue followed by Wagup and Dulon Polish.

Story by Lulu Roseman