Another Volvo 60 for the Rolex Sydney to Hobart race

by Rob Kothe on 13 Oct 2003 Reports from Australian’s Cruising Yacht Club on Friday, named four Volvo 60’s that could be going south this year, the two ex Djuice boats, Andrew Short Marine and Seriously Ten, along with Magnavox and Merit/Indec Consulting.

Now there is another one as the current Sydney to Hobart record holder Michael Spies, (who smashed the Sydney to Hobart record on the Volvo 60 Nokia) and Terry Mullens (Fitness First Sting) have recently purchased a VO60 from Europe.

The boat is expected in Sydney in November, in time for some of the short offshore races and will be lining up on Boxing Day for the 630 mile Rolex Sydney to Hobart race.

Andrew Lygo, Director of Getaway Sailing has worked with the new owners to charter the boat for their UK customers for this race. 'Last year we chartered Eureka, a Sydney 60 based in Queensland which went very well. The UK team loved the race; the crowds and the rewards in Hobart last year so have come back for more action. We did well last year with a 4th in class in IRC, but this year they wanted a bit more off the breeze performance and so have opted to go for a VO60.'

Spies and Mullens have been sailing together a while and form a great team so decided to join the growing fleet of performance 60 footers by importing one of their own VO60's. This one is from the Innovation Kveaner campaign of 97, and whilst still being a 2G boat, it has still been very competitive on the European circuit. Expect to see it on the harbour in the coming months competing with the other Volvo 60’s.

'Volvo 60 are getting like Etchells' said James Harris of Getaway Sailing, 'every one has gotta have one in Sydney and its a growing class, just a hell of a lot quicker.'

James is heading south with the UK team and is excited about competing in the class. There is rumour of the VO60 setting up their own offshore racing class for this race and others.

'I think it is great to see the pedigree racers coming to Australia' say Lygo, 'it's great for Australian sailing in general and for exposure for the Sydney to Hobart race internationally. We have had over 15 enquiries over the last few months from overseas party's looking at chartering a boat for the big 60th anniversary race next year. In 94 there were over 350 entries for the 50th, let’s hope we can get at least half of that number next year.'

Getaway sailing have been working with overseas customers on race packages that cover all the logistics, training, catering and accommodation needs for putting a racing campaign together. 'Its been a great success. Last year we had two boats going south and this year we will have three teams' says Lygo.

Getaway Sailing are also selling races overseas with the ARC Rally (Atlantic Crossing) being fully booked this year. 'Next year we are competing in the ARC 2004 as well as the Rolex Middle Sea Race which starts in Malta in October and races north to Sicily and island hops back to Malta over 4 days. It’s a great event with stunning scenery' says Lygo. 'I'm sure it will be a popular race and is one of the must do classics of ocean sailing.'

For more info on courses and trips check the Getaway Sailing website; www.getaway-sailing.com