Ichi Ban still chasing the clock

by Ian Grant on 7 Apr 2007 Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban weathered the Breaksea Spit light shortly after 1-30 this morning to continue with her neck and neck chase to break the Brisbane to Gladstone Race record.

The former Volvo Globe race sloop modified for coastal passage racing has built the reputation of being the fastest pocket maxi racing on the Australian coast.

She started her new career with an impressive second to the super maxi Wild Oats in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart race in late December and just missed breaking Brindabella’s record during her line honours win in the Audi Sydney to Gold Coast race in late March.

Skipper Allen and his experienced crew continued with their outstanding speed sailing form to build a runaway lead in the 59th Brisbane to Gladstone classic as they tracked on a fast course past Lady Elliot Island.

The Ichi Ban crew remained confident of setting a new race time however race officials in Gladstone held some doubt as the race clock ticked against the challenge.

'Ichi Ban have put up a great effort which deserves more than winning the line honours trophy but at this stage it appears their fast sailing performance will not be rewarded with the record' Race Director Herb Prendergast said.

However Ichi Ban continued to retain a runaway lead while an interesting race developed for the minor line honours places between Quantum Racing, and Wot Yot who rounded Breaksea Spit light 113 n/mls from the finish at 4-30 this morning.