China Bear returns to racing at Hahn Premium Race Week

by Di Pearson on 22 Aug 2004 In the early ‘80’s a really nice looking cruiser appeared at the CYCA in the shape of China Bear, a Holland 52, custom built in Taiwan in 1983.

Her owner, Andrew Clubb, was the envy of many a boat lover in Sydney and all clamoured to sail aboard the extravagantly appointed yacht with features such as an ice maker, washing machine, dryer and separate on-suite bathroom for the skipper.

A couple of Hobart races, a Sydney-Southport and Mooloolaba race or two, China Bear disappeared from the scene when Clubb semi-retired to Southport with his China Bear.

Then out of the woodwork she came, looking better than ever and suiting the scene and surroundings at Hamilton Island.

‘She’s had a major refit and I reckon it cost more than the original price of the yacht,’ said well known veteran yachtsman and crew member aboard China Bear, Lawso (David Lawson).

‘We’ve collected a bunch of old friends together for this regatta (China Bear is sailing in the Cruising Division), most of us have known each other for thirty years and more. Most the crew come from the maxi Helsal’s 1988 campaign – we’ve done a few miles together,’ Lawso said.

Lawso went through the crew list this morning. Owner, Clubb, is naturally the skipper. Then there’s restaurant owner, Howard Dredge – he’s the galley slave – perfect.

Des Morriset is in charge of fine wines and alcoholic beverages, Donald Graham, a Police Inspector in real life, is in charge of Clubb. When the crew have had enough, Graham will deal with it.

Lawso, a navigator, who has a rock between Old Bar Harrington and Crowdy Head named in his honour, after navigating Freight Train onto it, has the most fascinating position – he’s in the ‘Gimme seat.’

‘I’m too old to crew now, so I’ll sit in the companionway and when anyone wants anything, they’ll say, ‘Lawso, gimme a handle, or gimmie my jacket' or whatever,’ he says.

Clubb has also recruited some local knowledge in form of an old Queensland sailing friend, Bill ‘Gleeso’ Gleeson, who was imported to look after the spinnakers.

Another old Sydney sailing friend, Ross Marr, has loaned out his son Christopher, who will ‘pull the bits of string that we don’t know about and don’t want to know about and we will also have a few guest appearances, people like George Canfield, who looks after the maxi yacht Ragamuffin in Airlie Beach,’ Lawso comments.

The main concern at Race Week, however, is that the washing machine, dryer and ice maker are in good working order.

‘No point going out there if that stuff isn’t working,’ were Lawso’s final words.