Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Race – Southport YC vessels to compete

by Southport Yacht Club on 7 Jul 2015 2015 Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race – A strong fleet of over 60 yachts will be racing in the Annual 384-nautical mile race, including four Southport Yacht Club (SYC) vessels; Matthew Percy’s Beneteau First 44.7 Alacrity, Tony Horking’s Northshore 38 Leeway, Rod West’s Jeanneau 45.2 Painkiller Forte and Philip Bell’s Olsen 40 She.

Having competed in his first Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race in 1988 raising money for his Olympic campaign, Matthew is ecstatic to once again be competing in a race that finishes at his home Club. “It is always great to see the quality yachts and crew coming into our waters, the boats always stay for a few days and gives the enthusiasts a chance to come and see them” said Matthew.

Tony’s first raced Leeway in this event after purchasing the vessel in Sydney. “I discovered that she had won Sydney Gold Coast twice before, however, both under different names. I would love to win not only in my division but overall” said Tony.

Finishing fifth overall in last weekend’s Queensland IRC Championships, Tony adds “we have a great sailing arena at our doorstep, and I believe more boats should do the race, it also brings a great feeling to come back to SYC filled with wonderful stories and fantastic camaraderie”.

Both Alacrity and Leeway will be heading to Sydney over the next week for further offshore training before the start of the 30th Annual Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast. Southport Yacht Club wish all the competing vessels and their crew along with their fellow competitors all the best for the race and we look forward to warm welcome upon their return.

The race starts on Sydney Harbour at 1300 on Saturday 25th July 2015.

The first boats in the fleet are expected to arrive sometime on Sunday, depending on the weather conditions.

Southport Yacht Club will be hosting the finish of the race.