The record breaker

by Traci Ayris on 26 Jan 2006 ‘How on earth does he keep going?’ was the question on everyone’s lips at Geelong today when Grant Wharington triumphantly arrived in Corio Bay after slashing over 50 minutes off his own Williamstown to Geelong Passage Race record.

In 2003 he set the previous record for this historic race aboard 83ft Australian Skandia and knew that he could beat it today. ‘We had nearly identical conditions to the first time and of course this boat is much faster’ he says ‘we also had to sail a longer course back then but today the boat shone and the guys did well so I’m pretty happy that we’ve set another record.’

Only two days after arriving in Melbourne following his Volvo Ocean Race leg from Capetown, Wharington appears calm and relaxed yet denies having superhuman abilities. ‘Sailing a Volvo 70 flat out for 21 days definitely takes up a lot of your energy, I lost five and a half kilos but generally we managed 6 hours sleep a day and your body eventually ends up adjusting. We had a good run to Melbourne so I actually felt alright when we arrived.’

Swapping the wheel of ING Real Estate Brunel for his 98 foot Super Maxi was made easier by the fact that all the hard work had been done ‘I stepped on the boat and the boys had it 100% prepared’ he said. ‘I guess I find it pretty easy to keep going because I actually love what I do, it’s been a lifelong dream to run a professional sailing business and I’m lucky to be able to do it with the support of a company like Skandia.’

Despite a grueling sailing and corporate schedule during Skandia Geelong Week, Wharington plans to take some time out’ he admits ‘I’ll be heading home tonight to see my family and can’t wait to spend the best part of next week with them.’

He also plans to join his Volvo Crew for some serious Gym and Restaurant sessions. ‘To regain their condition they’ve really got to eat a lot’ he laughs ‘I want them to be the fattest guys around before we arrive in Baltimore.’