Tasmania's normally tranquil Mersey River in Devonport is bustling with activity, as crews prepare for the first ever Navigator Dash - a race against the clock across Bass Strait to Melbourne's Station Pier.
Tasmania's normally tranquil Mersey River in Devonport is bustling with activity, as crews prepare for the first ever Navigator Dash - a race against the clock across Bass Strait to Melbourne's Station Pier.
Having only just completed the grueling trip from Sydney to Hobart, many of the yachts will be setting off to tackle the treacherous Bass Strait once again with the prime objective of smashing the current sailing record between Devonport and Melbourne.
The Mersey Yacht Club is busily making final preparations for the start of this exciting race, with the official race period only a day away. Steve Wallace, commodore of Mersey Yacht Club said "We are expecting a high quality fleet including two maxis, which will really add to the excitement that is normally around the club at this time of year.
Beginning tomorrow - 3 January 2002 - the racing yachts can set off at any time, on any day, so long as they complete the crossing by January 15. This allows crews to pick the best time to begin the race, based on expected weather conditions.
The current sailing record is held by Jo Westerlo's Prowler, and stands at 19 hours, 32 minutes and 58 seconds. But, there's a strong feeling of confidence in yachting circles that this 1998 record will be broken.
The winning skipper of the Navigator Dash will be crowned the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria "King of Bass Strait" and receive a $10,000 first prize.
"Because of its unique format, this race is really getting a lot of attention within the yachting community and I expect it will be a regular fixture on the annual racing calendar," said Mersey Yacht Club Commodore, Steve Wallace.
The Navigator Dash will officially finish at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, and Commodore Colin Johnston is confident the race record will be broken with the field including Australian Skandia Wild Thing hot on the heels of the Sydney to Hobart.
"Also, the weather forecasts will be crucial for skippers looking for strong wind conditions to make the fastest possible dash across Bass Strait " he said.
Right now, it's a count down for the skippers as they watch for that perfect sailing day.
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Craig Rattray - 0412 543 227
John Duffin - 0409 384 981
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