You can hear it in his voice!

by John Curnow on 6 Aug 2016 Former CYCA Commodore, Geoff Lavis, has just won Division Two IRC in the recent Sydney to Gold Coast Race. Now it could be so because he was delighted to have his two sons, Adam and Ben, on board once again. You might also think it was because Andrew Smith “…did an exceptional job as Sailing Master.” You may even feel that he felt the added comfort of having the shipwright who did all the recent modifications sailing with them. “Andrew Hay is also a great sailor, so it certainly was an added bonus”, said Lavis.

Yet it is probably the added performance of the recently refurbished UBS Wild Thing, which he has owned since 1999, that has captivated him the most. Apart from the dollars that went in, it has been an exercise to make the cedar strip wet wonder safer and easier to sail. Andy Dovell penned the extra three feet that went on her tail back in the day, and he was once again called upon for this most recent upgrade.

It all came about from an unfortunate day during last year’s Winter Series. There they were, about to snuff the kite when a 30-knot gust came through and the backstay gave way. The tin rig had runners, which is probably what stopped it from marching off the bow completely, but it ended up looking a lot like al dente pasta in the end.

“I am insured with Pantaenius and after it happened, Adam ‘Brownie’ Brown said why don’t you take the opportunity to change the boat. We got a new carbon rig from NZ Rigging with swept back spreaders. Then the real work began, as I got into the refurb. We moved the rig 700mm aft and deck stepped it”, commented Lavis.

“It is under a metre taller than the old one too, so it was a complete change of sail plan as well, which Andy did. We adjusted some of the existing kites, got a new code zero and a new A4, which has not been used in anger yet. It is a higher aspect sail plan. What we lost on the old overlappers we collected by going to a 9/10ths fractional rig.”

“So I do have to thank Pantaenius for kicking this whole project off. It was all about making her easier and safer to sail. Getting an improved IRC ticket was a great benefit, and we’ll happily take it! She is also quicker uphill, and nicer to sail at all angles. Yes. Definitely ecstatic overall!”

UBS Wild Thing received a new paint job to go over her epoxy skinned cedar strip form and Dovell also added a carbon bowsprit and carbon ribs up for’ard to strengthen her. Her lifting keel was made fixed moons ago and now the traveller is aft of the helm, as well. Interestingly, also on board was another Pantaenius client in Ron Cooper, who owns Cheeky Encounter.

Of the race and racing in general, Lavis said, “Most we saw was maybe 20-knots. It was pretty light overall and on the nose for that last day from Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay. Overall it was quite nice, somewhat frustrating, but we kept our intensity and the crew got their reward for that. This is our first crack at IRC in a long while, and what a great thrill to come away with the win in our division. We’ll be doing it again and the CYCA Ocean Pointscore will be our focus.”

Adam Brown from Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance was completely thrilled for Lavis, saying, “We are delighted that a speedy settlement on his mast claim led to this wonderful revitalisation of UBS Wild Thing. To see them back out racing IRC is great and for the win to come on the back of their first race with the new set up is just terrific. Well done to Geoff and the entire crew.”

So if you want to be armed with the only true marine policy, and the crew that know boats and then see www.pantaenius.com.au or call +61 2 9936 1670. You can all also see them in person very soon at Airlie Beach Race Week and then immediately after at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.

A little later on they will be at the Auckland Boat Show running from 29 September to 2 October and then the Mandurah Boat Show in WA from 7-9 October. It is this sort of commitment that has passionate boat owners around the region signing on in ever-increasing numbers.

It is also that passion and dedication to process that meant owners and insurer alike enjoyed a very quiet and peaceful time during recent events like the huge East Coast Lows that have hit the coast in recent months.