After three previous attempts, Stuart Austin and the crew of Quick Decision (an Outremer 4X catamaran), finally claimed ultimate multihull glory at the Aegean 600.
Speaking after the race, Stuart expressed the team’s joy, gratitude, and relief, celebrating a spectacular double victory: Multihull Line Honors and 1st Place in the MOCRA class.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing…
Read on to hear the challenges they faced, see some amazing race footage, and discover their secret to success!
Drama on the High Seas: Overcoming the Elements
Despite thorough preparation, Quick Decision’s path to the podium gave the crew some unexpected hurdles to conquer that could have easily derailed their success:
- Aloft in the Aegean: Early in the race, the main halyard snapped, threatening to cripple their mainsail. Then, at a vital moment, another halyard failed, losing the team their advantage over Lynx who was in hot pursuit. Proving her Figaro pedigree, Ellie Driver was hoisted up the mast in punishing conditions to save the day!
- False alarm: During rough conditions Stuart’s automatic lifejacket went off whilst he was forward, also triggering his MOB (man overboard) alarm. A quick head check was followed by radio comms letting everyone know it was a false alarm.
- Sailing with “heart”: In the heat of the action, the trampoline failed, needing urgent repair. The resulting repair left Quick Decision sporting a heart-shaped repair in her net, a fitting symbol for her team and the race this year.
- Daggerboard Line Failure: The hitches continued when the daggerboard lines failed under load. Stripped of their standard adjustment systems, the crew had to adapt and switch to manual operation to keep the boards functional, and maintain performance.
The racing was often VERY close, with Quick Decision’s main rival Lynx pushing the crew all the way…
Throughout the race victory was far from guaranteed. Quick Decision found themselves locked in a gripping, relentless duel with their long-time rivals, Lynx, which had consistently finished ahead of them in previous years.
After 397nm, Quick Decision was in the lead again…
Throughout the race conditions were challenging, including agonising mid-race lulls and severe lack of wind where tactics, planning, and absolute focus were vital.
Having traded positions with Lynx on many occasions, it wasn’t until the fleet rounded Mykonos that the crew of Quick Decision finally forged ahead, and realised that victory was within their grasp!
The secret to their success!
For Quick Decision, this year’s race was even more special than usual. The crew featured a unique “three fathers and three children” dynamic, including Stuart Austin and his son, his friend and his friend’s son, and Ellie Driver alongside her father, Jim Driver.
Stuart was full of praise for Ellie, a talented young Solitaire Figaro sailor whom he credited as the secret to this year’s success, calling her and Jim “racing superstars” who completely transformed the boat’s performance.
It was only fitting that Ellie had the honour of being on the helm when Quick Decision finished the race:
WARNING: Contains singing!
After the awards ceremony, and a great night full of dancing and celebrations, including a tiny special guest, the crew spent a few days of downtime relaxing and reminiscing over their recent exploits.
Having re-loaded with supplies and carried out repairs, it was time to say goodbye to some of the crew, and for Quick Decision to sail back to her home port 227nm away.
