Briefing, BBQ before Ten Days of Strip Poker

by Jennifer McGuigan on 29 Jun 2006 Some would say this is the most important meeting before any major Yacht race but to walk into this room you could be forgiven for thinking that you had walked in on a cocktail party for old friends.

Despite the fact that many of the competitors have never met before the mood was light and convivial. A disparate group of people brought together by the commonality of not just sailing but Offshore Ocean Racing. Whilst some greeted old friends others held out their hands to new friends and yes fierce competitors on the water, but not in the clubhouse. Stories were swapped but equally advice and constructive experience were shared.

Commodore of the Ocean Racing Yacht Club of Victoria, Angus Fletcher welcomed the gathering and thanked the generosity of sponsors the Queensland Government. Angus has been heard to joke that this race 'could turn out to be a ten day game of strip poker.' When asked why, 'well every time you make a wrong move you have to take a layer of clothes off. Which will hopefully match the change in the weather as we go along.'

Veteran skipper of Yoko Robin Hewitt presented the weather briefing which started from the premise that competitors could expect temperatures of 'cold, cool, warmer and pleasant' as they cross the 1865 nm journey. He did of course share his considerable knowledge combined with the latest forecasts available.

Race Administrator Alistair Hart discussed the vagaries of quarantine, customs and immigration in Vanuatu, the suggestion being that all boats should arrive in daylight. He also detailed the flags, forms and explanations that come from leaving and arriving in countries by less than conventional means. Try explaining to the sales person in the duty free shop that you don’t have an airline ticket or in fact a boat ticket but you are just leaving the country under your own wind power.

The room buzzed with excitement, albeit tinged with nerves. Andrew McCole, fearless Naval helicopter pilot and co-skipper of Runaway, said 'I am a little nervous, looking forward to it, the preparation is coming on well and we just want to get out there and get amongst it.' Along with co-skipper James Ryssenbeek they are the one of the youngest pairs in the race but have a boat that is specifically designed for two handed racing in warm waters.

A convivial glow surrounded the Tasmanian foursome of three Gourlay’s and one Pip Girling. Mother and Father, Ken and Wendy will be racing hard to defeat son Tristan and partner Pip. Ken has admitted to some apprehension leading into the race but when asked how he will fare against his son stated 'The race between us is really open, the boats are of a similar speed and Tristan has had more practice lately, but he won’t give a quarter and neither will we.'

With the serious business of the briefing over, crews collected the myriad array of paperwork along with caps and shirts before retiring to the bar for a farewell Bar-B-Q and the odd quiet little drink.

On the water the competition will be as fierce as could be expected in any elite sport but off the water the level of camaraderie is something other sports can merely aspire too.