Six Farr 40s enter Brisbane to Keppel
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010The 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