Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Boys on Tour 2- It's All About the Sons

by Godfrey Cray on 23 Dec 2009
Rapparee Crew. From left;Godfrey Cray, Steve Wilson,Dominic Gundry, Jordan Wilson, Sam Cray, Conrad Gundry, Simon Gundry. - ARC Trans Atlantic Race Godfrey Cray

The 1999 Greg Elliot designed 53 footer owned and skippered by Steve Wilson crossed the line in St Lucia early on December 6th to take line honors and a divisional handicap win in the 158 entry fleet.

Onboard with Wilson was his son Jordan (18) Simon Gundry with his sons; Conrad (20) , Dominic (18) and Godfrey Cray with his son Sam of 18 years.

Valencia based renowned mast designer Steve Wilson acquired Rapparee 3 years ago with the intention of giving his sons and his Whitbread and America Cup sailing mates and their sons an introduction to ocean racing.

Rapparee Crew at Finish. From Left; Jordan Wilson, Steve Wilson, Conrad Gundry, Dominic Gundry, Simon Gundry, Godfrey Cray, Sam Cray. - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray
Rapparee Crew at Finish. From Left; Jordan Wilson, Steve Wilson, Conrad Gundry, Dominic Gundry, Simon Gundry, Godfrey Cray, Sam Cray. - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray


The whole race went really well for all on board. 13.5 days and 3000 nm of down wind sailing in mostly fresh trade winds of around 20-30 knots. With a gennakers up for 11.5 days there was plenty on especially at night. We managed to blow one gennaker out and trawl another when the halyard let go.

It was great to watch the four sons develop trimming and steering skills over the course of the race.

In a busy fast passed world it is a rare opportunity a real pleasure to spend two weeks with your son, mates and their sons on a 3000 mile ocean race.

Pitons St Lucia - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray
Pitons St Lucia - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray


Rapparee Trade wind sailing - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray
Rapparee Trade wind sailing - ARC Trans Atlantic Race © Godfrey Cray

U-DECK 2023 - No.3 728x90 BOTTOMPredictWind - Routing 728x90 BOTTOMMarkSetBot

Related Articles

Collinson FX: US markets tread water
Reserve bank of Australia's Governor says the next rate move may well be up in 2026 Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged, as expected, citing inflationary pressures. Fiscal pressures have put the RBA into a tough position, with no option but to hold rates, and the Governor stated the next rate move may well be up in 2026
Posted on 10 Dec The record 2025 year in numbers for SailGP
SailGP cements its position among the world's fastest-growing sport and entertainment propertie SailGP – the most exciting racing on water – has cemented its position among the world's fastest-growing sport and entertainment properties, closing its 2025 Season - here's a look back on Season 5's statistics
Posted on 10 Dec Will Harris talks IMOCA and offshore sailing
This month Shirley Robertson's Sailing Podcast hosts talented British offshore sailor Will Harris The duo get things underway with a brief reflection on Will's podium place finish in the recent 2025 Transat Café L'Or, which saw him sail to a second place finish sailed with 11th Hour Racing's Frankie Clapcich.
Posted on 10 Dec The heart of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race
Every entry racing under IRC has the chance of winning overall Beyond the front-running contenders of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race lies a remarkable group of sailors for whom the 3,000-mile crossing represents something deeper than just the pursuit of corrected-time victory.
Posted on 10 Dec Celebrating the RORC Caribbean 600 supporters
Antigua is celebrated globally as one of the finest sailing destinations The RORC Caribbean 600 owes its extraordinary energy, atmosphere and enduring success to the unwavering support of its partners and the spirit of Antigua & Barbuda - elevating the race into one of the most memorable offshore experiences in the world.
Posted on 10 Dec Images from Sir Peter Blake Regatta - Day 2
Top photographer, Jacob Fewtrell from Insight Media was on the water on Sunday to catch Day 2 Top photographer, Jacob Fewtrell from Insight Media was on the water on Sunday to catch Day 2 of the Sir Peter Blake Regatta.
Posted on 10 Dec Inclusion Championships set new benchmark
World Sailing event in Oman more than lived up to its promise Four days of inspiring racing have concluded in Mussanah, Oman - and with them, a landmark moment in the evolution of global inclusive sailing.
Posted on 10 Dec Images from Sir Peter Blake Regatta - Day 1
Top photographer, Jacob Fewtrell from Insight Media was on the water on Saturday to catch Day 1 Top photographer, Jacob Fewtrell from Insight Media was on the water on Saturday to catch Day 1 of the Sir Peter Blake Regatta.
Posted on 10 Dec Manly 16s Club Championship Heat 6
IMEI Barnabas Build breaks the dominance of the top three boats with a late win The Manly 16ft club championship title race is increasingly becoming a race in two, despite IMEI Barnabas Build breaking the dominance of the top three boats with a late win in heat six on Saturday.
Posted on 10 Dec 18ft Skiff Academy Success
Graduates who have what it takes Sporting organisations don't always 'get it right' when they try something different to improve the competition or overall standard within their ranks, so it's good to be able to praise the Australian 18 Footers League.
Posted on 10 Dec
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2025 Sail-World Sail-World New Zealand and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy