Wild Thing's seven metre keel goes in ...now for the 41 metre mast!
by Jody O'Brien on 30 Nov 2009
Skandia on Port Philip - today she was without the mast.... - Wild Thing Yachting Andrea Francolini Photography
http://www.afrancolini.com/
It’s been a busy day for the Wild Thing crew and the crane operators at Westgate Ports in Melbourne today as the new 7 metre keel was put together with the Wild Thing supermaxi’s 98 foot hull.
With two 50 tonne cranes needed to lift the boat’s hull from the water and line it up with the keel, it was a morning of nervous energy and one that skipper Grant Wharington and the crew are glad is over.
'The keel is in, the boat is in the water, and en route to Mornington 'said Grant.
'Everything went according to plan and we’re looking forward to more of the same with all the other things that have to happen in precise succession this week 'he said.
Looking slightly undressed without her 41 metre mast, Wild Thing will be back in Mornington late this afternoon, where she will be descended upon tomorrow morning as members of the Wild Thing crew get an early start on assembling the mast at Mornington Pier, just near the Yacht Club.
By early afternoon tomorrow (Tuesday 1 December), a very large 90 tonne crane will be in place, ready to manoeuvre the 41 metres of carbon fibre mast back into the deck of the 98 foot supermaxi, and she will look every bit the racing machine again.
Meanwhile, the Wild Thing Amazing Naming Rights Project continues to tick along, with a number of big brands joining the fold, including Caltex, Jalna Foods, Quiksilver and Roxy. They've all purchased their $10k Corporate Sail on the boat, and are eagerly awaiting the news that they might take home the big prize !
Each company will use their Corporate Sailing Experience to entertain clients or staff in the new year, but one lucky company or business will be the winner of Naming Rights of the boat until mid 2010.
The draw for this multi-million dollar marketing opportunity will take place on the 8th of December with Ross and John on 3AW Breakfast, with the draw to be scrutineered by Yachting Australia president, Andrew Plympton.
For more details about the Project, go to www.wildthingyachting.com.au
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