Fremantle to Bali Race - Limit arrives from the East

by Yachting Western Australia on 2 Feb 2011 Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali Race 2011.

Fresh from the Rolex Sydney Hobart, Alan Brierty’s Reichel/Pugh 62 Limit has arrived in Western Australia to compete in the Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali 2011.

2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the first Fremantle-Bali Race. The event, which has not been held since 1997, has seen big name skippers enthusiastically signing up for the international ‘big boat’ race.

As Fremantle Sailing Club gears up to return the largest West Australian yachting event to the Perth racing calendar, organisers are encouraging participants to get their registration, visas, documentation and certifications in order soon, as this process 'just doesn’t happen overnight'. The popularity of the event, has further seen an over subscription for the Yachting WA Sea Safety and Survival certification courses necessitating additional courses scheduled.

The event comprises an ocean rally commencing 23 April 2011 for those entrants who prefer to cruise in company, and the official yacht race commencing from Fremantle on 26 April 2011. Depending on the weather, the fleet is expected to start crossing the finishing line at Royal Bali Yacht Club from 29 April 2011.

The challenge is on to conquer the unbroken record held by Australian yachting legend Rolly Tasker who competed in the first Fremantle to Bali race in 1981 and still holds the record time of six days, 15 hours and 39 minutes in his yacht Siska.

Limit’s delivery crew arrived safely in Esperance after some hectic sea conditions in mid January which would severely challenge even the Volvo racers. 'Well, what a hectic couple of days that was - we have gone from smoking downhill to 55kts from the west (top gust average around 40) and a massive seaway - never experienced anything like it.'

From the challenge of smokin’ conditions, they then completely lost momentum 240nm’s south of Esperance where they were reduced to 6knts under motor - such is the joy of sailing.

Currently south of Fremantle, Limit is undergoing minor repairs in readiness for a practice run in the Geographe Bay Race Week before heading for the start line of the Visit Indonesia Fremantle to Bali 2011.

Event website