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Jupiter Aims for Stellar Performance in Sydney Gold Coast Race

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  • 26 Jul, 2024 10:22:00 AM
Jupiter Aims for Stellar Performance in Sydney Gold Coast Race
SAILING - Pittwater to Coffs 2024 Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - 22/03/2024 JUPITER Protected by copyright

Jupiter Aims for Stellar Performance in Sydney Gold Coast Race

As the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race approaches, the crew of *Jupiter*, skippered by Ian Smith and Lincoln Dews, is ready to set sail with high hopes and meticulous preparation. The J99 yacht, a standout in the Double Handed fleet, has been fine-tuned over the winter, positioning itself as a strong contender in this prestigious event.

Reflecting on their journey, Ian Smith shared, “We had a successful summer campaign. It’s been an 18-month journey since July last year, putting the boat together to campaign for the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Point Score and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race this year.”

Lincoln Dews, co-skipper, who has been integral to Jupiter’s preparations, added, “I’ve been lucky enough to sail with Ian for the past year and being involved ahead of the ACSBWPS the Great Race South at the end of the year. It’s a fantastic boat, and we’ve had a lot of fun learning and optimising it through the winter.”

With weather predictions shifting in the lead-up to the race, the team remains adaptable and optimistic. “The forecast has been changing daily for the last three weeks,” said Smith. “But it looks like a light start, which favours us. "The lighter, the longer, the better." It’s going to be an exhilarating ride up to Southport once the breeze picks up on Sunday morning.”

Jupiter will be navigating through a competitive Double Handed fleet, which includes formidable opponents. “The boat to beat and the benchmark is Mistral, Rupert Henry’s boat, with Greg O'Shea. They’re a very competitive team, and having such a strong benchmark has certainly made us sail better,” Smith noted. “We’re a better combination now than we were at Cabbage Tree, and the boat is better prepared as well.”

Lincoln Dews also emphasized the importance of strategic sailing and adapting to conditions. “We’re learning to sail this boat quite well and optimizing it for the IRC with what’s crewed. The first day’s forecast is quite light, and depending on how the system develops, we’re hoping for a blow home for the smaller boats.”

Jupiter’s crew is not only eyeing a strong finish in the Double Handed division but also aiming for a podium position in Division 3. “All things being equal, we should do well in the Double Handed division, and there’s a good chance for a podium position in Division 3,” Smith said. “The higher up the podium, the better, as far as I’m concerned.”

With a combination of experience, strategic planning, and an indomitable spirit, Jupiter is set to navigate the challenges of the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, aiming for stellar performance and victory.

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