Brisbane to Gladstone Race - when club mates become race rivals

5:27 AM Wed 25 Mar 2009 GMT

'Night Nurse (Farr 40)' Peter Campbell &copy Click Here to view large photo

Long term friendships will be tested on the high seas when dual Brisbane to Gladstone race winner Bob Robertson contests the 61st blue water classic starting on Good Friday.

The Caloundra skipper who claimed a special place in Gladstone Race history when he helmed Sellars Witchcraft II to her impressive victory 22 years ago will place his successful career on the line when he becomes engaged in a 308 nautical mile match race against Farr 40 class rivals David Elliott, Russell McCart and Peter Sherwood.

In terms of experience Bob Robertson and his Cracklin Rosie crew should have the edge over their younger rivals who are equally keen to show the veteran that there is no room to respect the 'Old Salt' on the race course.

However while the odds are stacked against him Bob Robertson has never been known to back down from a tactical 'scrap'.

Cracklin Rosie has a reputation to protect and she will be pressed to her ultimate performance seconds after the start signal is fired at 11 am on Good Friday by Queensland Cruising Yacht Club life member Clarrie Noble.

It will also signal the start to a history making 308 nautical match race between Cracklin Rosie and her almost identical David Elliott skippered Elleven, Russell McCart's Night Nurse and Kevin Miller's Peter Sherwood helmed Bribie Star.

The day and night drag race where the four yachts are expected to race within hailing distance of each other could very well decide the overall race winner on corrected handicap.

Recent form and her win in the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Myora Cup race on Moreton Bay earlier this month favours Elleven to be the favourite but owner skipper David Elliott and tactician John Warlow will need to retain a 24 hour watch and protect the tactical options to finish ahead of their rivals.

by Ian Grant

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