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.