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Late rush for glamour Gold Coast Race entry

Home 2003 Late rush for glamour Gold Coast Race entry

“We thought our preparation was going to be relaxed as the boat was due to arrive on the 4th of this month but now we just want to get the boat in the water and go out and have some fun,” says skipper.

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PUBLISHED JULY 15

The new 3DL carbon sails from Norths are sitting in their bags waiting to be hoisted for the first time and the rock star crew is ready to jump aboard and train for the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race – the only problem is the boat, or lack of.

John David’s brand new German Frers-designed Swan 45OD called Joe won’t arrive in Sydney until tomorrow, having experienced some delays during its shipment from Finland, where it was built by Nautor, to Australia via the United States.

Steven David, son of the successful Sydney businessman who also owns the classic yacht Cambria, will oversee the unpacking, preparation and launch of this luxury one design, which will be orchestrated by four full time experts who will work very long hours over the coming week.

The boat is expected to be launched this Friday at the Super Yacht Marina in Rozelle and the first training sail is planned for Wednesday next week, just three days before the start of the 384 nautical mile race. 

“We thought our preparation was going to be relaxed as the boat was due to arrive on the 4th of this month but now we just want to get the boat in the water and go out and have some fun,” said Steven.

Steven and his father spotted the luxury cruiser racer while racing in the Mediterranean aboard Cambria.

“We saw the birth of this class overseas and the subsequent interest and results it generated in Europe amongst the top skippers including Paul Cayard and Russell Coutts, and we thought we’d bring the first one to Australia,” said Steven.

“If some of the existing Swan owners and other boat owners see the combination of comfort and speed work as well in the Gold Coast Race as it has overseas, the class will have a strong future here,” he added.

Since the Swan 45's launch in September 2001, her racing prowess has created quite a stir on the international racing circuit with the 2002 season seeing honours for this debutante in the Mediterranean, USA and Northern Europe.

Eleven crew will race Joe north to the Gold Coast, including America’s Cup sailor Michael Coxon from Norths Sails and sailing master Chris Links, and on to compete in the series of Queensland regattas, where they will be joined by the owner.

The latest entry for the mid-winter race north – Richard Hudson’s Pretty Woman - brings the fleet size to 68 for the 1.00pm start on Saturday July 26. Late entries may still be accepted by the CYCA Sailing Office until this Friday.