Sydney Hobart Race - Rugby star to sail on Perpetual Loyal

by Anna Wallin on 6 Dec 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race - Wallabies (Australian National Rugby Team) and NSW Waratahs full-back Kurtley Beale will join Anthony Bell’s Perpetual Loyal in the boat’s last Rolex Sydney Hobart Campaign.

Beale, who recently returned to Australia after the Wallabies 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign has set his sights on the race in his pursuit to raise funds to purchae vital medical equipment for children's hospitals, embracing the challenge that will take him off the pitch and onto the high seas come Boxing Day.

“When Anthony approached me to join the Perpetual Loyal crew, I saw it as an offer I couldn’t refuse,” Beale said.

“Looking at the commitment of other sportsmen and women across the years and the contribution they have made to the Humpty Dumpty and Loyal Foundations, it is a team that I want to be part off, I want to know I have made a positive contribution to children’s lives.

“The secondary challenge but also just as important for me is to test myself in a new arena.

“I believe that as an athlete to keep improving you must continually test yourself both mentally and physically.

“I spent last weekend sailing with the crew on Perpetual Loyal and was blown away by the sheer sailing talent and knowledge on the boat and I can’t wait to set sail with this team on Boxing Day, ” Beale said.

Beale will join fellow sports identity’s Anthony Minichiello, Erin Molan, Phil Waugh and Michael Clarke for the Boxing Day Rolex Sydney Hobart with the race celebrating its 70th year.

“This is Perpetual Loyal’s final Rolex Sydney Hobart campaign and we intend to go out with a bang,” Perpetual Loyal Skipper/owner Anthony Bell said.

“We have had an amazing seven years, our 2011 Line Honours victory is a moment that I will look back on fondly.

“However, the greatest pleasure I have had being involved in the race is looking at the commitment of my sailing team and the funds the Loyal foundation has raised for children in need.

“This is the greatest reward and the victory our crew treasure the most,” Bell said.

The Loyal Foundation works on the principle that 100 cents of every dollar donated are distributed to approved charities including the Humpy Dumpty Foundation with no administrative costs.