Prowler Heads North

by Bob Appleton, RGYC on 2 Aug 2003 After two and a half weeks cruising up the east coast, the Geelong yacht 'Prowler' has officially opened its 2003-2004 campaign by starting in the Southport to Mackay Yacht Classic race.

The crew of Royal Geelong Yacht Club members met the boat on Thursday before starting the 500 nautical mile race at 11am Friday (yesterday).

It is anticipated that the race will take approximately two days to complete as the predicted winds of 30 knots are guaranteed to create an exhilarating ride with the boat is capable of reaching speeds of up to 25knots (50klm).

Owner, Christian Jackson, is a businessman from Torquay and the crew consists of a baker, plumber, physio, farmer, storeman, chef, apprentice, and electrical and a mechanical engineer! All are from the Geelong and Torquay area.

Thus starts a journey planned over the past 6 months and now, finally underway. ’Prowler’ will be competing against some of the best yachts in the world, in some of Australia's largest regattas.

The campaign includes the Hogs Breath Regatta in Airlie Beach, the 20th Hamilton Island Race week, the 58th Sydney to Hobart, Navigators' Dash for Cash and back to local waters for the New Australia Day Race week.

www.rgyc.com.au