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Esprit: Sailing with Spirit in the Gold Coast Race

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  • 23 Jul, 2024 01:13:00 PM
Esprit: Sailing with Spirit in the Gold Coast Race

Esprit: Sailing with Spirit in the Gold Coast Race

Rod West and his crew aboard *Esprit*, a Wauquiez 45 Centurion, are ready to embark on their next great adventure in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. This hand-crafted vessel, built by 12 craftsmen from the keel up, is a rarity. As one of the only Wauquiez 45's in Australia and one of the representatives from the Southport Yacht Club (SYC), *Esprit* stands out in a crowd.

The Boat

Part of the Beneteau family, the Wauquiez 45 Centurion is a unique blend of craftsmanship and performance. Despite her weight of 12.5 tonnes, Esprit sails exceptionally well in the right conditions. Since Rod West purchased her in 2022, Esprit has covered impressive distances, including a Sydney-Hobart race, and has been actively competing in various SPYC offshore events.

Rod West reflects, "This boat is special because it's handmade, and there's only a few like it in Australia. It's a labour of love, and we're proud to represent SYC in such a rare vessel."

Racing History and Crew

Esprit has a history of competitive racing with a loyal and diverse crew, including younger and female members. The core crew, composed of ex-army and Air Force personnel, has been sailing together for 20 years. With members from Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne, the 10-person team has built a strong bond over the years.

Rod shares, "Keeping the crew together and happy is key. Our core crew's military background brings discipline and camaraderie, essential for long ocean passages."

The team has participated in numerous SYC events and had planned to compete in the Ponant Sydney Noumea Yacht Race, which was postponed. Now, they are eagerly looking forward to the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, their next long ocean race out of CYCA since the 2022 Sydney Hobart.

Preparations and Goals

Esprit has undergone significant preparations to ensure she meets the Category 1 requirements for the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore Series (ACSBWPS). The boat’s sail wardrobe, provided by Evolution Sails, is ready for action.

Rod mentions, "We've done a lot of work to get Esprit to Cat1 standard. Our sails are top-notch, and we're shooting hard for a podium finish to represent SYC in this CYCA Race."

The upcoming schedule includes an regatta out of Brisbane this October and then the rescheduled Ponant Sydney Noumean Yacht Race next year. With nine Sydney Hobart races under his belt, this will be Rod's first Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race with Esprit and his fifth personally.

Looking Ahead

As Esprit prepares to navigate the challenges of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, the team’s focus remains on maintaining their competitive edge and fostering their strong team dynamic. Despite being a heavier boat, the crew is determined to stay in the pressure and perform at their best.

Rod concludes, "We're excited to be part of such a big fleet. The journey is as important as the race itself, and we’re ready to showcase Esprit’s capabilities, we are really gunning for a podium place here."

With a rare boat and a dedicated crew, Esprit is set to make waves in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, embodying the spirit of adventure that defines the nature of their crew.

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