Gibson's Sydney 38 Agenda for Sydney to Gold Coast Race

by Lisa Ratcliff on 2 Jul 2002 When Graham Gibson makes his maiden voyage aboard his new boat in the Sydney to Gold Coast Race later this month, his agenda will quickly become apparent - to replicate the remarkable success of his previous boat Ninety Seven with his new Sydney 38 Hidden Agenda.

The new boat will be launched on July 18, just nine days before the start of the 17th annual Sydney to Gold Coast Race on July 27, when Gibson will join the growing ranks of Sydney 38 owners enjoying One-Design racing.

'The crew of Ninety Seven were looking for a One-Design challenge and there is huge interest in the Sydney 38s,' said Gibson's Sailing Manager Adam Brown, himself an accomplished yachtsman.

Gibson's career highlights with his Farr/Lyons 47 Ninety Seven included finishing second overall in last year's Sydney to Hobart Race and second in the Sydney to Mooloolaba Race back in March, both top results leading to a second overall in the IMS Division of the CYCA's 2001-2002 Bluewater Pointscore Series.

Such is the significance of his previous boat that Gibson has organised to transfer his sail number 9797 and most of the young crew who have sailed together for the last 18 months to the new boat for its inaugural ocean race followed by the Sydney 38s National Championships and the Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week.

To date the Club has received 13 entries for the Sydney to Gold Coast Race, the opening race of the CYCA's Blue Water Pointscore, Cape Byron Series and Tasman Performance Series and the Club's new Long Ocean Pointscore for IMS, IRC and PHS. A fleet of 60 is expected on the start line on Saturday July 27.

Other entries include David Pescud's Lyons 52 Aspect Computing, Roger Hickman's Farr 43 Wild Oats, Richard Perini's Farr 40 Corinthian Doors, George Snow's Brindabella and the eight-time Bluewater Champion Syd Fischer backing up for his ninth crack at the prestigious title with his Farr 50 Ragamuffin.

The 386 nautical mile race to the Gold Coast is also the curtain opener for the winter northern racing circuit - the Queensland State Titles in Southport, the Hogs Breath Mooloolaba to Airlie Beach Race, the Hogs Breath Regatta, the Sydney 38 Nationals and the Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week.
Entries close on July 12.

Further information: Lisa Ratcliff 0418 428 511 lisaratcliff@bigpond.com