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 Farr 40 skipper Hughie Lewis (Eurocentral) showed just how tough he is by returning to the water only eight weeks after suffering a major head trauma, to take victory in Hobart’s unofficial Farr 40 State Championship. The five race series, sailed in light but steady conditions on the River Derwent in April, was tightly contested with each race producing close tactical sailing and numerous lead changes.
Local race followers were looking forward to a day of intense rivalry between former world champion International Dragon Class sailor Stephen Boyes and Andrew Hunn, but the blue and red boats could not match the class of Eurocentral. As is often the case in one design sailing, the day belonged to the fastest and most consistent boat on the water. Eurocentral got the gun in three of the five races, finishing the series two points clear of War Games (Wayne Banks-Smith). In third place was Voodoo Chile (Lloyd Clark/Andrew Hunn) followed by Stephen Boyes (Wired) and POW (Craig Clifford.
The victory was an immense effort for Lewis and his crew who are noted on the River for their slick teamwork and wealth of sailing experience. Yet, just eight weeks earlier, Lewis was in intensive care in the Royal Hobart Hospital, with his crew and family wondering if he would ever sail again. The drama began for Lewis in the second race of the Bellerive Yacht Club's Crown Series Regatta in late February. Lewis suffered a major head trauma after being struck by the boom while gybing round the bottom mark in wild and unpredictable sailing conditions. He was carefully managed by his crew and official support boats to a waiting ambulance and spent a week in hospital as the full extent of his injuries was determined. Much to the relief of his family, his crew and the local and national sailing community, Lewis soon regained his sense of humour and his desire to sail, albeit while nursing a fractured skull and eye socket. On doctor's orders, (and his wife Julie's too) Hughie returned to the water last Saturday sporting a sexy piece of head protection, now affectionately known as his 'thinking cap’. At the post race celebrations, Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Vice Commodore David Weir presented Lewis with the inaugural Championship trophy and spoke of a well-deserved and very popular win. - Words and image by Jane Austin |
