Audi Sydney Gold Coast Race
Audi Sydney Gold Coast Race
The currents have been doing strange things between Seal Rocks and Ballina over the last couple of weeks, with weak North going flow up the coast and a strong South going flow well offshore - this structure is pretty rare and caused by a large cold core eddy off Coffs which has persisted for a while. Things are changing though and we're watching closely to see which way things are moving.
Having an insight into which way things are shaping up will be critical and like last year we are providing a pre-race analysis of the current to be expected in the race. The first analysis and instructions will be delivered 4-5 days before the race and the second analysis on the 30th July. We also have a new product for you to try - Cloud Free High Resolution SST from NASA. It proved to be extremely useful for the recent Newport to Bermuda Race, for winner and Tidetech user Carina
For the analysis, we spend a lot of time looking at the SST in comparison with the currents and sea surface height. This tells us three things:
- whether the position of the eddies is correct or have they moved / changed shape
- Which way is any movement trending
- Where is the likely position of the SST fronts (places where the current changes sharply in strength - they can be likened to weather fronts within a weather system)
see here for our recent Newport to Bermuda Analysis
Cost $285 AUD 
Last year's results
Last year's race proved challenging for all classes with a mix of wind conditions. There was favourable north going current at 60nm offshore between Port Stephens and Ballina, but light airs and then strong and shifty northerly winds made getting into it the favourable a current difficult matter.
In the end, those who made it out that far did well, including those who had used Tidetech's Gribs and pre-race analysis. Some of our users were:
AFR Midnight Rambler - Winner IRC Overall and Div 2
Scarlett Runner - Winner Div 1 IRC
Swish - Winner IRC Div 3
Airelon - Winner Div4
