| SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA-(15-7-2003) The new 3DL carbon sails from Norths are sitting in their bags waiting to be
hoisted for the first time and the rock star crew is ready to jump aboard
and train for the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race - the only problem is the
boat, or lack of.
John David's brand new German Frers-designed Swan 45OD called Joe won't
arrive in Sydney until tomorrow, having experienced some delays during its
shipment from Finland, where it was built by Nautor, to Australia via the
United States.
Steven David, son of the successful Sydney businessman who also owns the
classic yacht Cambria, will oversee the unpacking, preparation and launch of
this luxury one design, which will be orchestrated by four full time experts
who will work very long hours over the coming week.
The boat is expected to be launched this Friday at the Super Yacht Marina in
Rozelle and the first training sail is planned for Wednesday next week, just
three days before the start of the 384 nautical mile race.
`We thought our preparation was going to be relaxed as the boat was due to
arrive on the 4th of this month but now we just want to get the boat in the
water and go out and have some fun,` said Steven.
Steven and his father spotted the luxury cruiser racer while racing in the
Mediterranean aboard Cambria.
`We saw the birth of this class overseas and the subsequent interest and
results it generated in Europe amongst the top skippers including Paul
Cayard and Russell Coutts, and we thought we'd bring the first one to
Australia,` said Steven.
`If some of the existing Swan owners and other boat owners see the
combination of comfort and speed work as well in the Gold Coast Race as it
has overseas, the class will have a strong future here,` he added.
Since the Swan 45's launch in September 2001, her racing prowess has created
quite a stir on the international racing circuit with the 2002 season seeing
honours for this debutante in the Mediterranean, USA and Northern Europe.
Eleven crew will race Joe north to the Gold Coast, including America's Cup
sailor Michael Coxon from Norths Sails and sailing master Chris Links, and
on to compete in the series of Queensland regattas, where they will be
joined by the owner.
The latest entry for the mid-winter race north - Richard Hudson's Pretty
Woman - brings the fleet size to 68 for the 1.00pm start on Saturday July
26. Late entries may still be accepted by the CYCA Sailing Office until this
Friday.
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