2015 Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally – The fleet arrives in Bali

by Oakridge Communication Group on 29 May 2015 Fremantle to Bali Race and Rally – Retired race boat Slipstream, owned and skippered by the Rod Mulcahy arrived in Bali at 7.39pm on the 28th May 2015.

Slipstream’s crew consisted of Christopher Felvus, Daniel Mahomed, Dieter Strauss, James Halvorsen, Kevin Murphy and skipper Rod Mulcahy. The yacht skipper Rod Mulcahy commented that have sailed numerous WA Offshore races including two Geraldton Races and the 2011 Fremantle to Bali race, amassing sailing knowledge and experience standing them in good stead when they blew out their spinnaker within two hours of starting the race however “The crew were great, their was nothing they couldn’t handle”. said Rod adding that the hard decision to retire from the race came after long deliberation but in the end “We had to bite the bullet and motor, we were just going no where.”

The next boat expected to arrive mid-Friday morning is Paul Schapper’s Toroa IV, closely followed by Robert Bryce’s Albatross and Joanna Pearson’s Odyssey of Fremantle.

Equinox owes Exmouth tradies for fast rally repairs
The very enthusiastic third rally boat to arrive in Bali was Geoff Constantine’s Equinox skippered by David Constantine, arriving into Bali at 2.02pm on the 28th May 2015 after 10 days four hours and two minutes covering a total distance sailed of 1554nm. The crew consisted of Bruno Hangartner, David Constantine, Geoff Constantine, Jack Constantine and Tim Moore.

After experiencing issues with their headsail furler early in the race, Equinox was delighted to arrive at the finish line and in Bali.

Repairs to the furler required the boat to stop over in Exmouth: “We were lucky,” said Geoff. “I have a cousin in Exmouth who knew all the local tradies and had them down at the dock fixing everything. They did it in one day and before we knew it we were back on our way to Bali.”

Skipper David Constantine commented that his brother Geoff would not let them turn on the air conditioner until they reached port. “Trust me we were looking forward to arriving in Bali”, David said laughing.

Exotic Escort visits Bali for the first time
Exotic Escort, owned and skippered by South Australian Andrew Powell arrived in Bali at 6.06pm on the 28th May 2015.

Taking a leisurely 10 days four hour and two minutes she covered a total distance of 1554nm. However, just to get to the start of the Fremantle to Bali they had to sail from Adelaide adding considerably to the total distance covered when they finally crossed the finish line in Bali. The crew for the Bali leg of their journey was Skipper Andrew Powell, Colin Sibly, Deborah Sleeman, Deirdre Sibly, and Margaret Sheppard Powell.

Like all the other boats Exotic Escort experienced the challenge of light winds, using this time to relax and enjoy the special time that life at sea in good company allows whilst eating scrumptious scones and freshly caught fish. “We ate like Kings and Queens”, said Skipper Andrew Powell.

Andrew went on to say while there were many highlights on the voyage arriving only six minutes after the time he predicted at the very beginning of the rally was certainly on top of a great list. “I predicted we would arrive at 1800hrs on the 28th of May, I couldn’t believe it. It was 5.59pm and we were insight of the finish line. We only just missed out after 1440nm of sailing. It was incredible”, he said.

It wasn’t, however, all relaxing and fine dining as the yacht’s wind instruments stopped working shortly after the race start but as crew Colin Sibly said, “that didn’t really matter, as there was no wind but when the auto-pilot stopped working there was concern that having to steer would interfere with our relaxing. Fortunately, an old auto pilot was recovered from a locker and when fully functioning we returned to our scones.”

Smiling Margaret, or as known on board Marg-a-tron reflected that it was a completely different type of sailing than what they experienced from Adelaide to Perth. “It was more of a challenge to keep yourself busy during the day and the change of temperature”, she said.

Teelia Bell early morning arrival in Bali

Retired race boat Teelia Bell, owned and skippered by Stuart Thompson arrived in Bali at 2.47am on the 29th May 2015.

Teelia Bell’s crew consisted of Brian Allen, David Doherty, John Cassidy, Lex Barnett, Raymond Leguier and skipper/owner Stuart Thompson.

'It was smooth sailing most of the way for Teelia Bell, with a good first couple of days until the wind decided to make itself scarce.' said Skipper Stuart he then added that the decision to retire was not made lightly. “We really wanted to show that sailing is a sport where you just get better with age”. In this case Teelia Bell was demonstrating this wisdom by retiring, allowing them to use their motoring capability and make it to Bali in time for presentations. A wise decision from old heads.