Tara, the former Atara sinks after Southport race
by Rob Kothe on 10 Aug 2004
The Lyons 43, Tara, known as Atara for much of its sailing career, was on delivery back to Sydney after the Sydney to Gold Coast race when it hit Bull Rock, southeast of Sugar Loaf Point on Sunday night.
The crew activated their 406 emergency beacon and issued a May Day call about 11:20pm on Sunday night. They then launched a life raft as the vessel began to sink.
The NSW Marine Area Command co-ordinated a search involving the Port Stephens Water Police, coastal patrol vessels from Forster and Port Stephens and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
The three sailors, all uninjured, were found on rocks more than an hour later and were winched to safety by the helicopter.
The yacht's owner, past Commodore of MHYC Rob Reynolds, is expected to organise for the vessel to be salvaged over the next few days.
Atara was campaigned by CYCA Vice Commodore Roger Hickman for more than six years. It was the top boat in the 1999 Southern Cross series.
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