Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race 2024

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2023
Smuggler's gang roar toward start line of Noakes Sydney Gold Coast

Smuggler's gang roar toward start line of Noakes Sydney Gold Coast

NEWS
19 Jun, 2023 01:43:00 PM

Smuggler's gang roar toward start line of Noakes Sydney Gold Coast

Sebastian Bohm the owner of Smuggler brings forth a passion for sailing that’s palpable. Leading one of the tightest teams on the TP circuit Seb (as he is known to friends) is expressive, fun and engenders a true sense of loyalty in his gang. Chatting to him ahead of the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, he is fresh from winning in the 4th act of the Pallas Gold Cup on Pittwater, and brimming with energy.

“Smuggler’s success is a culmination of the boat, the sails and most importantly, the crew on and off the water,” he says.

“The boat is a Judel/Vrolijk designed TP52 which was launched as the boat Glory in December 2006.It has had a lot of modification to bring it up to today’s standards including mods to the rig to allow it to go offshore, the addition of a bow sprit and also the upgrade of the keel and rudder. “This has resulted in the boat being very competitive against newer boats whilst retaining the strength and reliability the older TP52’s are renowned for.”

It's an investment this sailor believes is worth every effort.

Indeed, it is the overall refinement that makes Smuggler a boat to watch out for in Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Race.

“We have a great relationship with Shane Guanaria at Doyle Sails and the sails he provides us are fantastic and give the boat the horsepower we need,” Bohm says.

But according to Seb, sheer technology will only get you so far. “Most importantly, we have our crew, which is arguably one of the tightest on the racecourse."

"Tim Davis has done a fantastic job putting the team together and we are all great mates first and foremost. We know how to have a good time, but when we need to get the job done everyone steps up in a professional manner and puts their all into it,” he adds.

And according to Seb it’s not just all about the “boys”.

“Justine Anson runs our onshore and maintenance program,” says Seb proudly “And she does an incredible job to make sure the boat and crew are in tip-top condition to be competitive at every race. She is also a demon sailor herself and steps up on the boat when needed.”

When it comes to prepping for the next big ocean race -the 2023 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race - this skipper is ebullient.

“The Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Race is a brilliant mid-Winter race and provides the opportunity for everyone to head North to warmer waters. The racecourse is very testing, with the decision to go offshore for more breeze or hug the headlands and stay out of the current, an important one. The normally light winds make for a very tactical race and a difficult one for the navigators & tacticians. Every now and then there is a big southerly and a full send, but recently it has been a light air race, which suits our boat.”

One thing is for sure this owner won’t be lonely on the trip North.

“Smuggler will take either 13 or 14 for this year’s race. We have a very tight and experienced crew that have been together for a number of years. We find consistency and awarding commitment to be the best way to put together a crew, rather than bring on specific people for a certain race.

“Last year’s race was a difficult one, it was a long race and light, upwind conditions the whole way… a very tactical race, the Gold Coast and the Southport Yacht Club couldn’t come soon enough!