Black Jack was officially confirmed as the QantasLink Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race 2015 line honours winner and winner on corrected time today. The team has previously won the line honours trophy on three occasions as well as the Courier Mail Cup once, but this is the first time they have achieved the illusive double, a feat not managed since 2002 when Grundig dominated the fleet.
Two boats remain on the course and are currently scheduled to finish sometime on Monday evening or the early hours of Tuesday morning. Whilst neither remains in the running for any major trophies, they will surely feel worthy of the endurance award.
The Tasmanian based Alive, who came second on line honours, also came second on handicap in both IRC and PHRF divisions and whilst they did take out the ORCi category, these results will no doubt keep the good natured rivalry between themselves and Black Jack thriving.
Other good performances came from Leon Thomas on Guilty Pleasures VI who had a good showing in both ORCi and PHRF, Kerumba who took third in IRC and Italian Job who dominated the smaller boats in all divisions.
Whilst the Black Jack team were obviously ecstatic to finally get the double, owner Peter Harburg was quick to point out that he is still chasing the now 12 year old record for fastest elapsed time ever set by Skandia Wild Thing. Clearly he will be lining up on the start line in 2016 for the 68th running of this ocean classic.
– Nigel Statham
