‘Sail with the Stars’ for the Loyal Foundation

by Sail With The Stars on 7 Dec 2010 The Loyal Foundation hosted its second annual ‘Sail with the Stars’ Gala Dinner, one of the biggest fundraising events in Australia, at Star City last night, Thursday, 2nd December 2010.

Chairman of the Loyal Foundation, Anthony Bell, has brought together some of Australia’s most distinguished yachtsmen and some of the country’s top sportspeople to compete on board the 100 foot supermaxi Investec Loyal in the 66th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts on December 26 from Sydney Harbour.

The Investec Loyal crew includes Matthew Hayden, Geoff Huegill, Layne Beachley, Phil Kearns, Phil Waugh, Danny Green, Channel 7’s Larry Emdur, veteran skipper Sean Langman and the professional race crew of Billy Merrington, Michael Coxon, Anthony Nossiter, Will McCarthy, Nick Burridge, Noel Drennan, David Rolfe and Morgan White.

At the gala function some of the crew talked of their experience in last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart, when they placed fourth over the line, and talked up their chances at beating rival Wild Oats XI who was represented at the function by Iain Murray. The ‘big fella’ had to cop it on the chin when one of the Loyal crew admitted to the audience of 800 that the term ‘mild porridge’ has been applied in jest to the slick 100 footer.

Also in the room was Peter Millard, co-owner of Lahana.

Investec Loyal’s keel has finally been fitted and the crew is gearing up for their first training run this weekend. Investec Loyal, Wild Oats XI and others in contention for the Rolex Sydney Hobart line honours booty will go head to head for the first time this year on Tuesday 14th December for the CYCA’s annual SOLAS Big Boat Challenge maxi yacht race on Sydney Harbour.

Last year the Loyal Foundation raised an amazing $700,000 for 14 of Australia’s most needy charities from their campaign and last night’s event raised over $600,000, putting the Loyal Foundation well on its way to exceeding its target of $1 million.

The Loyal Foundation is a pure charity with 100 cents in every dollar raised, making its way to eligible charities. To donate go to www.loyalfoundation.com.au

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