Brindabella On Course For Treble

Sydney Morning Herald

Monday March 28, 1994

TOM CRYSTAL

Maxi yacht Brindabella is poised for a clean sweep of the Sydney-to-Mooloolaba race after breaking Helsals' 18-year-old race record.

The 23-metre maxi powered into Mooloolaba yesterday morning in 44hr 1min 43s - 58 minutes inside the time set by Helsal in 1976.

The $2 million maxi beat last year's line-honours winner, Amazon, which was two hours back in second place, followed by Bobsled and Innkeeper.

The majority of the 42-boat fleet is expected to finish late today.

As well as the line honours and race record double, Brindabella is also in line to take the race overall in the IMS division.

If Brindabella secures the line-honours and handicap double for the 480-nautical-mile race it will be the first time since 1982 - ironically completed by another Helsal, Helsal II.

For Brindabella owner and skipper, Canberra-based George Snow, the Sydney-to-Mooloolaba provided some solace after the disappointment of the Sydney-to-Hobart race, when it was forced to withdraw with hull damage whilst leading.

"It was quite a concern at the time," Snow said. "We had a good look at the boat back in Sydney and repaired the hull.

"It certainly is (consolation for the Hobart race). It was a good race from our point of view. There were a few thunderstorms that came through but nothing much stronger than 20 knots.

"It is not a terribly fast record but it reflects the conditions you get; one day good, one day bad."

After being on track to beat Helsal's time, Brindabella and the 22 crew spent an anxious Sunday night hovering near the record.

"In certain parts of the race we were four hours under the record but the wind dropped overnight," Snow added. "We were outside (the record) and then inside, but from midnight (Sunday) on we were under."

© 1994 Sydney Morning Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home