host posted on April 02, 2012 09:40
Ocean racing sailors remain confident that the 308 n/ml QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race will turn into another aquatic sleigh ride when the competitive fleet line up for the start on Brisbane’s Bramble Bay at 11am on Good Friday.
“As I see it all of the weather indicators suggest this year’s race will be contested in moderate to fresh winds”. Co skipper of Lambourdini /Envy Scooters David Lambourne said.
Their race preparations and tactical strategy will remain focused on facing up to another demanding sail in strong winds and the associated coastal seaway conditions which are known to tax both the concentration and steering skill of the nominated helmsperson.
“Our recent trip to contest the Australian Farr 40 championships in Sydney was a good guide in terms of boat speed proving the crew are better suited for longer coastal passage races “. David Lambourne.
Most of the crew who contested the Gladstone Race last Easter will be onboard including navigator and Melbourne Marine Pilot Barry Cuneo.
As expected the Lambourdini/ Envy Scooters crew are keen to protect the honour of be ranked as Queensland’s fastest 12.32m racing yacht.
But they will be placed under a serious challenge from the almost identical Bobby’s Girl (John Lehman) and the former Audi Australian ocean racing champion Alegria lll is now raced by Yeppoon skipper Tim McCall under the Acadia ‘battle flag’.
However based on the 2011 results the Lambourdini /Envy Scooters crew who will target the slightly larger 13.86 m Stewart Lewis skippered Ocean Affinity as their pacemaker are keen to improve on the 3 minute 9 second margin that favoured Ocean Affinity last year to retain their ranking as Queensland’s fastest 12.32 m yacht.