Gladstone
Yacht Race Champion Remains Dusty And Dormant
In Boat Shed
By Ian Grant.
Saltash
II the only yacht to win six major Australian
coastal passage races under three different handicap
systems remained covered in dust in a Bulimba
boat shed as speculation focused on race entries
for the 56th Brisbane to Gladstone Blue Water
classic.
The
former English designed Yachting World day sailing
Diamond class sloop which has been progressively
modified to suit the changes in the ocean racing
handicap systems won her first of six races in
1986 and is yet to be nominated to defend the
prestigious 56 year old THE COURIER-MAIL CUP this
Easter.
However
while her entry has not been lodged Saltash II
winner of a record breaking 6th race during Easter
2003 is expected to be on the start line at 11am
on Good Friday morning.
Skipper
Ian Wright who steered Saltash II to a sensationally
fast handicap rated average speed of 14.48 knots
in 1993 will again be the principal helmsman with
his older brother Bill while Peter Cavill will
navigate with Tony Reik and Trent Rowell sharing
the sail trimming duties.
Saltash
II noted for her spinnaker sailing speed when
running before strong trade winds will face up
to a formidable fleet including Matt Allen’s
2004 Australian IRC offshore racing champion Ichi
Ban from Sydney and the 2003 Melbourne to Osaka
class winner Team FGI skippered by her designer
and builder Jon Sayer of Brisbane.
As
the race results prove both Ichi Ban and Team
FGI have the potential to upset Saltash 11 which
has won five of her races in the past 11 years.
But
if there is any sign of a South East forecast
then the ‘Golden Oldies’ Saltash 11
and equally remarkable Gladstone plywood sloop
Wistari winner of her first of four Brisbane to
Gladstone races in 1971 will spoil the post race
celebrations for the crews racing the more expensive
modern yachts.
On
a lighter note Ian and Bill Wright have rejected
several offers for their ‘shoe string budget’
ocean racing champion.
“Really
there is no other option; it’s become an
institution for us to suffer some pain over Easter.”
Ian Wright said.
