Where the Wild Things have been – this weekend

by Jody O'Brien on 6 Dec 2009
It was a big week in Mornington and Melbourne for the crew of the supermaxi Wild Thing, but there is certainly a first round of sighs of relief as a number of big ticket items are now checked off on the job list.

And where the Wild Things have been this weekend ?

Well - still in'checking jobs off lists' mode, but at a less frantic pace.

Yesterday was a painting day, with all available hands on paintbrushes and rollers, busily removing all traces of their previous sponsor’s logos from the hull and sails in readiness for the eagerly anticipated announcement of the new Naming Rights sponsor this Tuesday 8th December.

'It’s always a challenge this time of the year for everyone to be able to give as much time as they would like to, but we’ve all managed to pitch in across the week, and have some laughs together whilst we get through the long list of things that need to be done to maximise our chances of success come Boxing Day 'said skipper and owner Grant Wharington.

Today they were able to finally get out on the water on a very calm day in Melbourne, with not much more than 6 knots of breeze on Port Phillip, but a good opportunity to put the boat through an easy test – a range of spinnakers saw some light air and all was good on board with the crew in great spirits.

'It was good to get out on the water after such a full on week of getting things together, and we’re pleased with where we are at – very much looking forward to the fully crewed race mode delivery next Thursday from Melbourne to Sydney ' said Grant.
And whilst the boat crew have been occupied getting the Supermaxi ready for her packed program leading up to the Rolex Sydney Hobart, the shore crew have been equally busy working on the Wild Thing Amazing Naming Rights Project.

A simple concept that companies of all sizes and from a wide range of industries have taken serious interest in – close to 25 have now confirmed their place in the Wild Thing team.

You join the Wild Thing team at a cost of $10,000 which entitles you to a corporate sail in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle or Hobart in 2010 – where you get to take out 25 guests – be it clients, family or friends on an unforgettable 3 hour ride on the supermaxi.

It’s like a corporate hospitality day at the footy, except the networking opportunity is confined to a 98 foot boat, and the one on one conversations with people you want to do business with are only interrupted by the wind and the water.

So with this as an entertainment tool on your schedule for 2010, you’re already a winner even before the big draw – in which one name will be drawn from the barrel and a new naming rights sponsor announced live on air with Ross and John in Breakfast on 3AW this coming Tuesday morning, (8th December) right after the 8am news.

Out of Melbourne, you can also hear it live on 3AW’s website – www.3aw.com.au

This lucky company will become the new naming rights partner and their logo will be emblazoned on the mainsail and hull –ready to reap the rewards of massive national and international exposure on Boxing Day and throughout all activity relating to the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

They will remain the naming rights sponsor until mid 2010.

For more details – go to www.wildthingyachting.com.au