Third time not so lucky in Brisbane to Gladstone Race
by John Curnow 19 Apr 2019 06:04 BST
Ichi Ban is the reigning overall champ and keen to go back to back © Beth Morley /
www.sportsailingphotography.com
Around half an hour into the 2019 Brisbane to Gladstone Race, Mat Allen’s Botin 52 lost her rig. This has put paid to there hopes of securing a hat trick of overall wins in the event. She was heading out in the direction of Tangalooma Reef when it occurred, and they were forced to cut the rig away to protect the vessel, where it promptly sunk in around 8m of water.
On a positive note, all on board are fine and well, and the vessel is on here way back to her temporary berth in the Brisbane River. We certainly feel for the crew at this time. Reports from out on the water indicate that it was exceptionally squally at the time, and there were plenty of vessels struggling with kites, in the fresh to frightening conditions. There are indications there were also micro squalls around, and these may have made over 40 knots.
Night Nurse is another casualty of the race, due to a broken main halyard, and she too is fine and returning to port with all her crew safe and well. Ichi Ban had won the start, Black Jack had scooted away thereafter, but the vessel doing exceptionally well early on is the Judel/Vrolijk 52, Envy Scooters. A true downhill sled (and previously Ichi Ban/Shogun V/Azzurra), this boat will be relishing the conditions.
Many thanks to the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club and particularly Nigel Statham for the information and updates. We wish all participants a fast and safe passage, and the club the best of events.