The Gambler returns for QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone race
by Ian Grant on 18 Feb 2013
Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race fleet Queensland Cruising Yacht Club
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron’s Ian Kenny has made a surprise return to contest the 65th QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone race over the Easter Weekend.
Skipper Kenny who proudly raced The Gambler to win the physically and tactically demanding 308 n/ml classic 23 years ago has applied some advanced modern technology to guarantee the former champion will be on the pace to match race her more modern rivals when the start signal is fired at 11 am on Good Friday.
He has told Race Director Herb Prendergast that a suit of new sails and sleek new paint work will enhance the chances for the older generation yacht to set the required handicap rated pace against her more modern rivals.
There is no doubt skipper Kenny will make a reference to his tactical notes which produced his only Courier-Mail Cup win in 1990 after he steered The Gambler to record the impressive score of 2-2-5-3 in 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989.
The return of the past champion has attracted interest however her skipper known among the offshore racing circles as ‘a quiet achiever’ understands that The Gambler will have to be raced harder and faster to stand a chance of repeating her star performance from 1990.
The experienced owner skipper has not entered the historical 65th race just for the glory because he believes the Old Girl will be competitive.
Brisbane to Gladstone
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