Two favourites, Peter Harburg’s Volvo 70 Black Jack, and Duncan Hine’s Reichel/Pugh 66 Alive, battled it out today for first place, at the Southport Yacht Club’s XXXX Regatta. Alive took out day one with Black Jack close behind. Also racing in IRC Division One are the Mates4Mates crew on board Matthew Percy’s Alacrity and Tony Horkings, Leeway.
“The Mates4Mates crew found their first sailing experience today really enjoyable, sailing is a great sport to assist with the rehabilitation program; reconnecting with people and meeting new people is a really important aspect of the program” said John Oaks, Liaison Officer. “These kinds of events allow the Mates to get back into a team environment, with team interaction a high priority of the program.”
Today was Mates member Michael’s first experience sailing offshore, “I really enjoyed the experience and would really like to learn more,” said Michael.
Mates have a couple of sailing programs running at the moment with the intent to continue and grow; these include a four day learn to sail program, and The Spirit of Mateship program. The Volvo 60, Spirit of Mateship has been interactively sailing in the majority of the large yachting events around Australia, including the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
For any interest with the Mates4Mates Program, please contact John Oaks on 0439 853 316 or via john.oakes@mates4mates.org
With a fleet of 27 keel boats and multihulls, on-lookers are encouraged to watch racing from the Gold Coast shoreline.
– Bronwen Hemmings
