Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2003 - 2002 Winner Quest seeks another victory as sailing master lines up for 25th Hobart Race

News Release – 23 October 2003

The Overall Winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2002 , Bob Steel’s Nelson/Marek 46, Quest, has been nominated for this year’s bluewater classic.

Not only is Steel looking for another win with his champion yacht, but he is honouring his commitment made in Hobart to provide a boat for sailing master Michael Green to sail aboard in his 25th Hobart Race.

Michael’s 25th race will make ocean racing history – the first father and son to have each sailed in 25 or more Sydney Hobarts.

The late Peter Green, a legend in the marine industry, competed in 35 Hobart Races between 1947 and 1989, joined in several by his son, who also followed him into the marine industry.

Both have now been sailing masters on winning boats, Peter aboard Pacha in 1970 and Michael aboard Quest in 2002.

Bob Steel lodged his application for entry with Quest as the steady flow of nominations further encouraged the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in its predictions of a large fleet this year. Applications for entry close with the CYCA on Friday, 7 November.

Quest had an outstanding 2002-2003 summer, winning the 2002 Hahn Premium Race Week IRC Division at Hamilton Island followed by winning IMS Overall and the Tattersalls Cup in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2002.

Then, in January, Quest won the 2003 IRC Australian Championship in Melbourne, also taking out Division 1 under both IMS and IRC in the Sydney Mooloolaba Race.

So far this season, 2003-2004, Quest has placed second to Ragamuffin for IMS Overall in the Sydney Gold Coast Race 2003 and fifth in the IRC division at Hamilton Island Race Week.

Further information:

Peter Campbell – 0419 385 028 or email - peter_campbell@bigpond.com