Wild Thing Diet program works wonders

by Jody O'Brien on 4 Dec 2009
If the supermaxi Wild Thing was on Weight Watchers, she would have got a gold star this week, with her slimming program over the colder months working wonders, and providing a pleasant surprise for designer Don Jones and owner skipper Grant Wharington.

The 98 footer was weighed and measured earlier this week at Westgate Ports in Melbourne, after a winter of modifications, designed to maximise her chances of being the first to Constitution Dock in the 2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Wharington, who will be doing his 24th race this year, was pleased with the weigh and measure results.

'The boat is a little lighter than what we had originally thought it was going to be, based on Don’s (Jones) calculations 'he said.

'This obviously works well for us in our overall plan to reduce weight and maximise sail area, with our sail wardrobe going back to the big square topped main that we used in 2007' Grant said.

After a manic Monday to Thursday getting the keel and mast into the boat, the Wild Thing crew had planned to be out on Port Phillip last night for a twilight sail, but a 50-60 knot breeze put an end to that idea – and they’re hoping to get some sailing time in across the weekend.

The mainsail will go back on tomorrow morning, and with everyone being kitted out with their new casual crew clothing from Quiksilver, the excitement and anticipation is building.

They’re all very much looking forward to being in Sydney for the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on Tuesday the 15th of December, by which time the boat will have a new name – with the draw for the Wild Thing Amazing Naming Rights Project to take place next Tuesday the 8th of December live on air with Ross and John 3AW breakfast – listen to it in Melbourne or anywhere on line at www.3AW.com.au - right after the 8am news.

There’s still time to join the Wild Thing team, and take your chances on your name coming out of the hat next Tuesday.

There’s currently 21 companies confirmed in the team, who are all eagerly anticipating the Naming Rights draw, but they are winners even before that – with their corporate sailing experience pencilled in for the early part of 2010.

For $10,000, they get to take 25 guests – clients, family or friends on an unforgettable 3 hour ride on the supermaxi – a unique experience that will stay with them for a lifetime !

For more information, check out www.wildthingyachting.com.au