RQYS Commodore talks Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race
by Suellen Hurling on 8 Aug 2011
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Bribie Star Suellen Hurling
The newly appointed Commodore of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) was on board the Ken Down owned and skippered Farr 40 Bribie Star for the fifth Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race.
We talked to the Commodore, just a month into his 24 month term.
‘I sailed the last two Gladstone’s on this boat with Ken Down, who is the former Commodore of the Mooloolaba Yacht Club. We first raced against each other, back in the good old half tonner days.
‘We were pretty happy with our result for this Brisbane to Keppel race. We started in breeze and it held all the way out of Moreton Bay. Having the race start three hours earlier at 12 noon meant the fleet was pushed out of the bay before the sun went down. Have to say that getting out of the bay early definitely helps.
‘We had plenty of breeze for most of the night and then when the sun rose she brought with it new challenges that the crew had to keep on top of.
‘I’m lucky to race with such a great bunch of sailors who also consider themselves to be hilarious comedians. I’ve been given a new nickname that may just stick… Apparently I’m now known as the Falcon. Not really sure I can share the story but it just goes to show that even when pressed during a yacht race there is always time for a laugh.
‘This is really the signature yacht race for RQYS. Our aim is to make the race bigger and better every year as we continue to make our stamp on the offshore racing calendar.
‘My vision for the squadron is pretty simple. Provide world class racing and the chance for people to get on the water and enjoy what nature has to offer.
‘We have got a great facility at our Manly, Brisbane location and are spoilt with space and over 500 marina berths.
‘2012 is set to be a very busy year for us hosting the Laser Masters, Radial Mens and Radial Youth World Championship and the relaunch of the Sail Noumea Cat 1 race that we are working on jointing with our Kiwi friends from Royal Akarana Yacht Club.
‘I am a dinghy sailor. I grew up through 470s, Sharpies and 505s so I know the importance of what I call a good rigging and launching area and the Squadron has got that great grassed area and now multiple ramps, that will be really important when the Lasers come.
More to come.
Race Website – www.brisbanetokeppel.com
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The Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race is part of Tourism Queensland’s Season of Sailing.
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is pleased to acknowledge the principal sponsors of the 2011 Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race; Club Marine, David Bray Yachts, Club Super, Morgan’s Seafood, Angove Family Winemakers, Bundaberg Rum and the Rockhampton Regional Council.
The race is hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron with the support of Keppel Bay Marina and Keppel Bay Sailing Club.
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