Saturday, 5th March – Brisbane.
Tam Faragher is back in 2023 with his one-of-a-kind design ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ข๐๐ and is hoping to lift the silverware in this anniversary 75th @gladstoneportscorporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race but admits possibly the yacht and crew are now more focussed on fast/cruising than the flat-out racing focus of the early 2010s. โWith the recent fit-out of furling headsails and ducted air conditioning, the Crew are more likely to gather in the saloon for a โbriefing and Nespressoโ than go for a perfect gybe-set,โ said Tam.
However, we canโt help but feel that Tam is trying to lull us into a false sense of expectation, as ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ข๐๐ has some serious racing pedigree and the pace to be a genuine Courier Mail Cup threat.
A one-off design by Jason Ker and built by McConaghy in China, ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ข๐๐ has a lifting keel for the shallow waters of Moreton Bay and Manly Marina and a twin rudder setup, allowing for her to be sailed hard with lots of cloth in the air and remains in control.
Whilst ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ข๐๐ has completed eight B2G races, missing only one, Tam has only missed two races in the last 20 years. When asked if he had fond memories of previous B2Gโs, Tam replied,
“Early in my racing career, with my L-plates on, I was bowman on Graeme Woods Helta Skelta. A late call to hoist the spinnaker near the Fairway buoy, saw me frantically organising the perfect set – until I was hoisted up along with it!โ
Good luck ๐๐๐ง๐ช๐ข๐๐ and we look forward to having a Nespresso or two with you at the other end.
Catch the start of the historic Gladstone Ports Corporation 75th Brisbane to Gladstone as it is streamed live & free on @kayosports Freebies, on the B2G Website and right here on Facebook from 10 am Good Friday, April 7th, thanks to the @gladstoneregionalcouncil‘s Easter in Gladstone.