Lahana in the lead

Peter Millards 98′ maxi Lahana is currently leading Wild Oats X in the 4th Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race. The race started at 1500 hours this afternoon, Friday 6 August in a light south westerly breeze east of Green Island on Moreton Bay.

Lahana’s navigator Willy Roberts said that they had settled down since the start and were sailing towards Indian Head.

“We’ve got beautiful conditions out here. Very clear night. Perhaps a little cool; tropical cool!” said Roberts.

As at 2200 hours Wild Oats was on their port quarter/transom.

When asked about the shock withdrawal of Black Jack, Roberts said, “it’s a great shame they aren’t out here because I’m sure we would have been close.”

Black Jack retired just 20 minutes into the race due to a malfunction with their hydraulics which control the Reichel Pugh 66′s canting keel.

David Elliott’s modifed Farr 40 is currently leading on IRC ahead of the inaugral 2007 IRC winner Wedgetail.

Tiara, the Hunter 45CC is casually making her way north at the back of the fleet. The cruising boat started the race with her bimini in tact and tender swinging in the light breeze.

More to come.

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.