5 days to go

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

As Wild Oats X, Black Jack, Lahana, Carbon Credits, Victorie, Colortile, Wasabi and Local Hero battle it out in the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race (ASGCYR), other competitors in the Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race (B2K) are putting the final touches onto their boats ahead of the 3pm start on Friday 6 August.

Race Organisers Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) are watching the tracker and standings closely on the ASGCYR website with the above boats all listed as favourites on the system.

The trackers being used in the 4th B2K race are being supplied by UK company Yellow Brick. They were finally released from customs on Saturday 31 July and are due to arrive at B2K Headquarters on Monday morning.

“We researched a lot of tracking options and decided that Yellow Brick were the best and would provide what we were after,” said RQYS General Manager Paul Hughes.

The system is completely wireless and will provide boat positions every 15 minutes for the duration of the race.

“The trackers will actually be plotting boats before the start so everyone will be able to see the boats coming from Rivergate Marina and RQYS – not a moment of action will be missed!” continued Hughes.

Spectators are welcome to join the fleet and watch them depart in real life with the start taking place east of Green Island on Brisbane’s Moreton Bay. The boats will then make their way north along the spectacular Queensland coast before finishing outside Keppel Bay Marina where the party will begin.

The long range forecast is predicating a strong SWS breeze peaking at 22 knots at the time of start which will come as a pleasant change for the fleet from the 2009 start which started in five knots. The fleet will push against a flood tide for the first three hours of the race before getting pushed out to sea.

A day into the race the boats will cruise up the coast with a 12-15 knot south easterly.

The current race record stands at 29 hours 24 minutes and 11 seconds, set by Peter Harburg’s Reichel Pugh 66 Black Jack in the 2009 race.

For more information check the website/

Race Website: http://www.brisbanetokeppel.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brisbane2keppel/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brisbanetokeppel.com/
SMS Registration: http://www.brisbanetokeppel.com/sms

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is part of Queensland Tourism’s Season of Sailing calendar and is proudly sponsored by O’Reilly’s Real Estate, Angove Wines, Morgan’s Seafood, Capricorn Tourism, Rockhampton Regional Council and of course Club Marine.

The race is hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with the support of Keppel Bay Marina, Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Yeppon Coast Guard and Bundaberg VMR.

Victoire – First 45

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Another interesting yacht in this year’s Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is the Sydney Yacht Squadron entry of Dr. Darryl Hodgkinson the owner and skipper of Victoire. Supposedly she is a cruiser racer, but in reality is a fully carbonized Beneteau First 45, one of six in the world. It is a similar boat to Paul Clitheroe’s successful Balance. She was first campaigned in England and raced in the 2008 Cowes Week winning her IRC division.

Daryl said, ”The 45 was specifically the boat that I wanted, after moving out of the 44.7. I found the Beneteau 44.7 not particularly enjoyable as a steerer. Also, although Mr. Bigg’s Ribs had done exceptionally well and so has Le Billet, I thought the 45 was more “specked up” and with the fully carbonized program of mast, boom, forestay and winchers, it’s stronger boat for the Hobart campaign. The boat was bought with the idea of competing in the Blue Water Series from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia with the hope to do well in IRC for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race”.

Darryl continued with, ”the boat’s first major outing was the Sydney to Newcastle race which was quite frustrating from the point of view that we could not find the top mark. We had a real tussle with Rambler, a Farr 40, who beat us across the line but we had enough on her rating wise to win that race and collect the trophy for our IRC division 2.

“During the winter series it has been quite light, which does not suit our boat particularly well, although our times around the track have been quite good in comparison to the other 45s in the competition.

“Our crew manager is Sean Kirkjian who sailed with me successfully in the Sydney 38s where we won the State Title and Rolex on Uplift in 2008. Danny McConville who is the boat manager from Yendys, has also helped us out and is an excellent manager of the yacht and very involved in putting the boat together after we shipped it from Hambly in England. When we got the boat is was called “Poppy of Portland” and had a “unique poppy” logo on it which Danny had promptly removed as soon as he saw it. We named the boat “Victoire”, being a French lady and my daughter’s name being Victoria, we thought this would placate the family. Victoria herself is in the Youth Development Ladies’ Squad at the CYCA and hopefully will continue her interest from skiffs to big boat sailing.

“The logistics of doing the Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race followed by Brisbane to Keppel and then quickly moving up to the Airlie Beach Race Week has required a big commitment from our crew.

“In over 12 knots, the boat has a get up and go and she is particularly nice down wind as her nose sits out of the water”.

For those of you who never saw Dr. Darryl’s Sydney 38 ”Uplift” it had a fairly fine set of hooters painted on the side; perhaps to do with Daryl’s occupation as a plastic surgeon. Not having seen Victoire, we can only wonder if she is similarly graced with fine artwork.

Well, there is plenty of Intel on Victoire there (I am sure the crews of Carbon Credits (First 45) and Ultimate Positioning (First 44.7) will have read keenly), but what Darryl has not told us is just how comfortable these well IRC rated and very competitive French houseboats are. You can bet it will be dry and warm downstairs and there will be quality hot food, drinks and dry bunks for the crew.

If I sound jealous; I am. Like many I will be one of the poor suckers on a stinky, wet racing boat, where sleeping in wet weather gear on the windward rail is sometimes drier than downstairs on a soggy foam bunk. Just to add to attractiveness of that bunk is the pungent aroma of diesel, body odor, urine, farts, mold, soggy clothing and possibly vomit. Not that we are allowed to go downstairs. As for food: it will be a stale sandwich and a bag of mixed lollies and no alcohol to ease the misery.

No wonder off shore sailors so often hear the question of “are we all having fun yet?”

By the Mystery Yacht Sailor

Social Networking

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Our world has dramatically changed to Generation Now. You can send an email at 3am and get a reply, use smart phones to access wireless networks everywhere you go and view intimate details on those around you on social networking sites. Yacht Racing is not immune to these changes, and some Organising Authorities have embraced the new technology to immerse “virtual spectators” into races without ever leaving the shore.

For the inaugural Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race in 2007 the race organisers Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron had competitors send sms messages which were then transfered to the race website. Updates including the conditions, speed and how many whales had breached around them where made available to the public creating a sense of being there for those unable to take part.

In 2008 the race utilised a then little known social networking service now known as Twitter.

Fast forward three years and Twitter and Facebook are household names with many events jumping on board the free services and utilising them to increase race and regatta profiles to the general public.

Counting down to the race start

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Entries for the 4th Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race officially close on Friday 23 July with the yachts due to set sail on Friday 6 August 2010.

38 yachts have entered the race, however the Mummery 45 Icefire (Peter Cox) has been a late withdrawal leaving the fleet at 37. In 2009 the race attracted 28 yachts.

While most eyes will be on the three big boat entries, Black Jack (Peter Harburg), Wild Oats X (Bob Oatley) and Lahana (Peter Millard), most of the competitive racing will be between the remainder of the fleet of forty footers. The six Farr 40s are also set to take the limelight with their own division, a first for this race.

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) Commodore Russell McCart will be amongst the Farr 40 fleet in his one design yacht Night Nurse.

“It’s going to be a spectacular start and I’m really happy that we’ve ended up with a fleet of Farr 40′s,” said McCart.

“I’m looking forward to sailing through Breaksea Spit because its such a beautiful part of the world.

When asked how he would go against the other Farr 40′s, McCart said that he did hope to win.

“It would be great to be the first Farr 40 home but we haven’t really done the lead up work. But remember that it’s a long race, so anything can happen!”

Penny Morgan, daughter of Rick Morgan and crew on Dream Lover, said she is looking forward to the race which will be the yachts fourth time into Keppel Bay.

“We have raced Dream Lover in all the previous Brisbane to Keppel Races and in 2009 won the Navigators Prize,” said Morgan.

“This year we have joined the team with Morgan’s Seafood as a sponsor and look forward to being involved in years to come.

“The best part of this race is the people you meet, seeing a beautiful part of Queensland that you don’t get to see everyday and the time spent with my crew mates. An awesome start to Dream Lover’s annual voyage North!”

Newly appointed RQYS Sailing Committee member Michael Job, and skipper of the Sydney 41 Southern Cross Yachting is looking forward to the race which he describes will be at the back of the fleet.

“Despite being at the back end of the fleet, we look forward to a spirited battle with our old nemesis Sweethart,” said Job.

“Although Sweethart has a new owner now (Laurence Pidgeon), the rivalry remains.

“It’s all fun though at the end of the day and we always look forward to arriving at Keppel Bay Marina where you get looked after and they put on a fantastic party for the sailors,” continued Job.

The traditional gunfire will be made at 1500 hours on Friday 6 August with the start line set east of Green Island on Moreton Bay. Spectators are welcomed to the area to farewell the yachts as they embark on the 348 nautical mile course up the tropical Queensland coast finishing off Keppel Bay Marina.

This year each yacht will have a satellite GPS tracker attached to their boat supplied by UK company Yellowbrick. The trackers will be updated every 15 minutes for the duration of the race making it easier for virtual spectators to watch the action unfold.

Those not sailing can also stay up-to-date through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. There will also be exclusive race information sent directly to those who register their mobile number through the race website.

“There is no reason for anyone to miss a moment of the action,” said race organiser Suellen Hurling.

“We are implementing as much technology as we can so we can bring the race closer to those who were unable to make it this year.”

A Yellowbrick tracker will also be attached to the radio relay vessel Harbour Island.

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is part of Queensland Tourisms Season of Sailing calendar and is proudly sponsored by O’Reilly’s Real Estate, Angove Wines, Morgan’s Seafood, Capricorn Tourism, Rockhampton Regional Council, Rosslyn Bay Resort and of course Club Marine.

The race is hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with the support of Keppel Bay Marina, Keppel Bay Sailing Club, Capricorn Cruising Yacht Club, Yeppon Coast Guard and Bundaberg VMR.

Race Website: http://www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Out Front

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

With the entry of the 98 foot maxi Lahana in the Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race, a three way battle will evolve for line honours and perhaps the race record between her and the two Reichel Pugh 66 footers Black Jack and Wild Oats X. Common sense would suggest the 98 footer will win a canter, but canter is the operative word. Both the RP66s have canting keels, Lahana does not.

Whilst the canting keels give these two a big advantage in a reaching race, allowing them to be driven harder it is also indicative of the nature of the boats. Black Jack and Wild Oats X are both set up with no expense spared or any concession to speed. This no holds barred attitude is reflected in the crews of the three boats. Both 66 footers will have the crack crews, with some of the cream of Australian yachting aboard. Lahana on the other hand has a more laid back approach to racing.

As Lahana’s owner Peter Millard says “Our form to date as a big boat has not been all that competitive and we live in hope Steve Bradbury style. However we certainly enjoy a low key max fun approach to our offshore yachting; albeit with 25 thirsty crew plus family and friends we can generate our own low pressure system in most clubhouse bars and that’s almost as much fun as a win!”

“As a Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron member it will be a thrill to be back on Moreton Bay once again for our first Keppel race start with Lahana and heading in the right direction away from a chilly Sydney winter. It will be great to see the two RP66 canters slug it out and we hope to hang in there with them to watch it.”

Maybe Peter is selling his boat a little short: surely if the wind is moderate the huge waterline length advantage of Lahana will allow her to glide into Keppel Bay ahead of her two smaller rivals. Mark (Squark) Bradford, skipper of Black Jack, feels they can beat Lahana, noting that the big boat seems to have it share of moments on the water and a few retirements. He does temper his enthusiasm with the acknowledgment of Lahana’s size and power.

Squark is upbeat about a number of points in this year’s race; the battle for line honours and the duel with Wild Oats X being but two of them. He believes the two RP66 are of identical speed and in 21 races between the pair it is 11 to 10 in Oat’s favour. He says “most of the time it is very close, usually the one that wins the start goes on to beat the other”.

Squark also feels with the quality of entries that the race itself; has now developed to a point where it is a major part of the Australian yachting calendar and sees a dilution of Sydney’s dominance in the sport. He went on to say “It is exciting to see quality Sydney boats coming to race with us in our waters”.

In Squark’s opinion another exciting aspect is the show case of competitive 40 footers in this race and on Moreton Bay. He points out it is similar to the strength of 50 footers that has blossomed on Port Phillip Bay; once again a good thing for Australian yachting as it decentralizes the Sydney power base.

Another interesting point is that whilst those three big boats will be blasting away out front, they will be closely watching the yacht tracker and noting the radio scheds to see just how the slower boats are doing. No doubt also hoping that the wind will soften behind and allow them the line honours, IRC and race record. In 2009 that treble that was taken out by Black Jack, in the race record time of 29 hours 24 minutes and 11 seconds.

You can bet Mark Richards and his Wild Oats X crew will have a firm eye on that record and setting one of their own.

By: Mystery Yacht Racer

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is the signature event of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. The race starts at 1500 hours on Friday 6th August.

Alegria IV and Wedgetail

Monday, July 5th, 2010

In a boat yard just north of Brisbane the finishing touches are being applied to Rod Jones’ latest weapon the modified GP42 Alegria IV (A4). A4 has been shipped out of Europe and has been undergoing major works to transform her into a competitive IRC ocean racer. Amongst other works she has had a new keel bulb made and fitted, new rudder and twin wheels to replace her tiller steering along with a long fixed bow sprit for her asymmetrical spinnakers.

It is easy to design a yacht that goes fast through the water – you make it light with a deep keel and you put lots of sail on it. The trick is to make a small racing yacht (under 50 foot) fast but still able to rate well under the IRC rule. The IRC rule is well known to favour racing yachts of between 50 to 65 feet. They have a number of advantages; but do seem to be able to carry more sail without the percentage penalty 30 to 45 footers get.

A4 is light at around 4700kg and she carries a lot of sail and more than the Bill Wild owned Welbourne 42 Wedgetail. There is no doubt she will be very quick through the water. The question is how high will she rate under IRC? There is also no doubt she will rate higher than Wedgetail and as such must beat Wedgie over the finish line at Rosslyn Bay. Will she be far enough ahead? The race between these two boats will be fascinating.

In the light airs of the 2008 race Wedgetail was sticky as her fat, wide transom got glued to the water and she was beaten over the line by the much lower rating (and usually much slower) Bribie Star. If it goes light will A4 suffer the same way, or will her Mediterranean breeding show with speed in the light? If she is slow in soft air, both these yachts will have a pack of six Farr 40s all around them.

Rod Jones at the wheel will have with him the same crew that has won two IRC Australian Championships and they will be every bit a match for the excellent crew of Wedgetail. Bill Wild’s yacht won this year’s Brisbane to Gladstone Race and smashed the fleet in the Fairway Challenge (a 100 mile warm up race). A few weeks later the very slick and shrewd crew of Wedgie then showed they can sail short course racing by winning the Queensland IRC Championship. You can bet the Wedgie crew will be busting their balls to beat A4 to Keppel!

As both skippers know, ocean racing is more than just speed and skill; you do need to have luck on your side. So often you can have a brilliant first day and in the small hours run out of wind, then watch as the fleet sails around and away from you. Both these yachts will need luck to beat a very good fleet of yachts and win the Keppel Race, however with a little good luck either of this pair can do just that.

By the Mystery Yacht Racer

Six Farr 40s enter Brisbane to Keppel

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

The start of Queensland’s premier yacht race is still more than seventy days away and the numbers are building steadily. An exciting element of this year’s race is the six Farr 40s already entered. Six boats of almost identical sail plan and matching hulls, all well crewed and all intent on beating the others. In a refreshing adherence to amateur yachting, these yacht are all helmed skilfully by their owners.

As the days to race start count down, the fevered excitement amongst the crews will build; the friendly rivalry (and sometimes not so friendly) will increase all the way to the warning signal at 1455 hours on August 6th. The banter between the Farr Crews on the shore, pontoons and across the water will echo with challenges, bets and outlandish statements. The gun will go and determined concentration will take the place of flippant words for the next thirty to forty hours.

In alphabetical order, let’s look at the boats and consider their points of interest, performance and chances. We must not forget that this is more than a battle for line honours amongst these boats; this is an IRC race and there are rating point differences between the boats. These point differences are usually down to overall weight, overhands and sail plan.

Bobby’s Girl, owned by John Leman. This boat has just arrived at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron from New Zealand. The boat, skipper and crew are the real mystery yacht of the bunch. You really will have to watch this space to find out more about her chances. However the crew must be confident as the boat has entered this race and the XXXX Gold Cup within hours of arriving in Australia.

Bribie Star, owned by Ken and Lucas Down. This is a yacht with a fine racing history and has been the boat to beat in South East Queensland for the last few years. Always well crewed, the boat has good speed and height. It is never beaten in a race and always comes back hard from adversity. However they did nearly drown their poor bowman Jimmy Chillman in the last gybe into Brisbane to Gladstone this year (James was pulled spluttering from around the rudder blade, held there by his teeth; Ken later billed him for the teeth marks in the rudder’s gel-coat). Bribie Star none the less has every chance of being first Farr 40 home. Rates about 1.182, betting at 7/1.

Cracklin Rosie, owned by Robbo Robinson. This beautifully presented boat is the opposite of her skipper, however Robbo has won many races (including the Brisbane to Gladstone) over the years and finished 2nd overall last year. Robbo is Admiral Nelson like at the wheel; he long ago sold his eye teeth, his soul and gave up his right arm and maybe some other body parts in the pursuit of victory. She boats a fine crew and has blistering running speed, if she gets in front early will be very hard to catch. Rates 1.182 betting at 8/1.

e11even, owned by Dave Elliott, a well-known try hard with a no name crew is a heavy boat that has no chance. Perhaps this is a bit harsh as elleven was the first Farr 40 in the Brisbane to Gladstone this year with 3rd in Division one, she was also first Farr 40 in the recent Surf to City and finished second overall in the 2010 Coffs to Paradise race. Rates well at 1.172 good bet at 20/1.

Lambourndini owned by Dave (Tubby) and Howard Lambourne is a classy boat with a high class crew that is very fast on all points of sail. All the Farrs have had trouble beating this boat all year, however they can be beaten and their slightly higher IRC rating means they must win well to score overall. Lambourndini lead the City to Surf this year only to get lost in the dark and finish last of the Farrs earlier in the year. She also lead in 2010 Brisbane to Gladstone race from start to finish. Lambourndini could be in trouble if the race runs long, with Tubby on board all the food could run out. Rates 1.185, my favourite at 3/1.

Night Nurse owned by Commodore Russell McCart is immediately recognisable with the girl with beautiful eyes painted on her quarter. Night Nurse is a fine boat with an experienced crew however her season has been rather ordinary so far. I am sure that they are burning to turn this around by smashing the other 40s in this race and won’t be surprised if they do. Their skipper has been known to fall/jump overboard in strong winds. Rates at 1.182 worth a punt at 10/1.

Anyway you look at this six pack it will be close. Watch the boats, wish you were part of the action and see you in Roslyn Bay! Let the best boat and crew win.

By: Mystery Yacht Sailor

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is the signature event of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. The race starts at 1500 hours on Friday 6th August.

Race Website: www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Races within Races

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

This year’s Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race will see a number of races within the race. As is always the case in any yacht race there are certain yachts that match up evenly and are of special interest to each other. There is a number of interesting match ups, boats that may not get the headlines, glory or the winner’s cup; but on those boats the competition will be intense and fierce. Whilst Black Jack, Wild Oats X will are the celebrity entries, you can bet there will be huge efforts, fine sailing and sometimes heart break in the smaller boats behind.

The 36 foot battle will be on with Geoff and Todd Anderson’s Farr 36 Corum out to continue its recent run of good results against the ever consistent Andrew Knights and crew on Georgia Express. To stiffen this stoush up. the rumour has it that David ‘Rosie’ Rose has just purchased another Farr 36, Mean Machine and will be entering the race. This three way battle will be gate crashed by the Clayton Debenhams and Craig Ellis owned Sydney 36 Gauntlet. Corum has the pedigree to win this little battle and the race, but don’t discount Rosie in a tight finish.

Look a little further up the list of length and things get really hot. Rick Morgan’s Dream Lover, Bruce Mackay’s Wasabi, John Moore on the ultra quick reaching lightship, Stomp, the always hard charging Murray Bucknall’s Ryu-gin FGI will all be pushing and possibly leading the Farr 40 rat pack of Bribie Star, Cracklin Rosie, e11even, Lambourndini and Night Nurse.

Can any of them beat the Dave Lambourne’s superbly sailed and super quick Lamboundini across the line? History says they can’t. Don’t discount the crafty Lucas Down sailing Bribie Starr or Dave Elliott’s dark horse e11even. Cracklin Rosie went close to the overall win last year and will be aiming to be there again too. However you can bet that all these yachts will flog them selves mercilessly in the attempt to be up there. In so doing one could well be standing tall on the dais at Rosalyn Bay.

Further up the list; slightly bigger and faster again and the battle will be huge between Rod Jone’s new toy, the modified GP42 Alegria and the classy 42 foot Wellbourne designed Wedgetail. There is no doubt that Bill Wild will want to add the 2010 Keppel trophy to his 2010 Gladstone win. These two yachts will be in the same patch of water as the ultracompetitive and combative Stewie Lewis on his Marten’s 49 Ocean Affinity. A boat that is said combines a fine Gin and Tonic or perfect espresso with race winning speed. Once again an intense segment that may well produce the overall IRC winner.

Maybe a little slower through the water but the battle between Jobie’s Southern Cross Yachting, the pretty First 45 Carbon Credits, Tam Farraghers’ First 44.7 Ultimate Positioning, Mondo sailed by Ray Sweeny and his gang of villains, Tony Love’s Patriot and his old boat Sweetheart now owned by Lawrence Pigeon (there is nothing worse than being beaten by your old boat after you have spent the big dollars on the new boat). This will be well worth watching on the yacht tracker. There is now doubt that bragging rights will big at the finish amongst these guys.

These are the battles are from boats entered; and its still eighty days to the start. There will be other entries to come and they will only intensify the competition by those who don’t care about overall line honours. Let the big boats take the line honours tag. It won’t matter to the bulk of the fleet; however we will still clap as the crew of Black Jack accepts the line honours trophy over the representative of Wild Oats X; after all its always good to see a Queenslander beat a blue boy!

Mystery Yacht Racer

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The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with the cooperation of Keppel Bay Marina.

Now in it’s fourth year, the race has already attracted 29 entries.

For more information log onto www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Wild Oats X to challenge Black Jack in the 4th Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Wild Oats X – Andrea Francolini

The race is on for the 4th Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race with Bob Oatley’s Wild Oats X set to challenge Black Jack to their last two line honours wins and current race record.

The Reichel Pugh 66 sister ships will line up on Friday 6th August at 1500 hours and battle it out over the 348 nautical mile course.

Four time Sydney to Hobart line honours winner Mark Richards will be at the helm of Wild Oats X for the race.

“We’ve always loved racing up the Queensland coast and this race will give us the chance to do that again,” said Richards.

When asked about the friendly rivalry between Black Jack and Wild Oats X, Richards said that although they were fierce competitors on the water, they were all mates on shore.

“I have a lot of friends who race in Queensland and in the Brisbane to Keppel race. But yes we are looking forward to racing Black Jack again,” said Richards.

Peter Harburg’s Black Jack currently holds the race record of 29 hours 24 minutes 11 seconds set in 2009.

Skipper Mark Bradford said it was exciting to see Wild Oats X on the entry list.

“It’s going to make for a very challenging race!” said Bradford.

“It’s always fun lining up with the Oats boys and we are really looking forward to the race,” continued Bradford.

The entry from Wild Oats X adds that celebrity element that any race organisers would be proud to have.

Brisbane to Keppel Race Officer Denis Thompson was thrilled with the news of Wild Oats X entry.

“By having both Wild Oats X and Black Jack on the entry list should entice others to enter this great race,” said Thompson.

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is the signature yachting event for the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

2010 Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race – Notice of Race Now Available

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

The Notice of Race for the 2010 Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race was released today, Sunday 11 April and already four yachts have entered the 348 nautical mile race.

Scheduled to start on Friday 6 August at 1500 hours, the race will see yachts travel north past Gladstone and into tropical Queensland with a finishing destination just outside Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay.

Now in its fourth year race organisers are hoping for a 30-40 fleet turn out.

“The race is gathering momentum and is fast becoming the next big Queensland offshore race,” said Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Commodore Russell McCart, owner and skipper of the Farr 40 Night Nurse.

Denis Thompson, of Audi Victoria Week and Audi Hamilton Island Race Week success is back on board as Principal Race Office for the Brisbane to Keppel race.

“This is a really fun race. The finishing destination is perfect and as yachts cross the finishing line they head straight into the marina,” said Thompson.

The Club Marina Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is the signature yachting event for the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

For more information on the race check out the website – www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Notice of Race – www.brisbanetokeppel.com/the-race/