North Sails leads the way north

by North Sails, Australia on 14 Oct 2016 Matt Allen's Ichi Ban dominates the TP52's to win IRC handicap, in a light and tactical Goldcoast Race. Also finishing third behind Wild Oats XI and Black Jack.

North Sails Billy Sykes, competed with the team on Ichi Ban. 'It was to be a very long race nothing like what early predictions had forecast, and in the end a very difficult race tactically as the boats moved through transitions heading north to the Gold Coast.'

Di Pearson from the CYCA interviewed Matt Allen and his sailing master Gordon Maguire in a very interesting piece of reading. Click Here.

Following the Goldcoast Race the Brisbane Kepple gave the big boats an opportunity to break the race record. Wild Oates XI didn't disappoint, covering the 348 nautical mile course at an average speed of 21 knots, she covered the distance in less than 17 hours beating her previous 2011 record by 7hrs 30mins.

North Sails Australia Managing Director Michael Coxon as well as Service Manager Nick Beaudoin were on board during the record run and provided content Boats on TV.

Although breaking the record Wild Oats XI's race wasn't made easy with Black Jack - Peter Harburg's Volvo 70 hard on its heals. With the support of North Sails Brisbane's Mark Bradford and Vaughan Prentice also finishing inside the previous race record.

Inside the race record also winning on IRC was Duncan Hine on his Alive.