Brisbane to Keppel: winds and spirit on the rise!

8:36 PM Sat 1 Aug 2009 GMT

'Crew of e11even - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race' Suellen Hurling &copy

The 26 competing yachts in the 3rd Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht race started in frustrating conditions on Saturday 1 August at 1100 hours.

Black Jack (Mark Bradford) had an early tussle with rivals Evolution Sails (Ray Roberts) as they fought their way out Moreton Bay in four knots of south west breeze. Eventually it was Black Jack that took the lead ahead of the Cookson 50 and they have maintained a good distance ahead of the fleet overnight.

The Northshore 340 Escape (David Moran), one of the smallest boats in the fleet was forced back to the start after an individual recall and finally made it out of the bay at approximately 0030 hours this morning.

Just before the midnight sked the crew onboard Escape twittered 'In Spit Fire channel. Five knots of true wind. Slow going. Tide with us now.'

Overnight the yachts received increased pressure from the south west at times reaching 15 knots with most being under spinnaker.

The majority of the fleet is now approaching Double Island Point with the Farr 40s and other 40 footers making their way along the Fraser Coast.

The regular skeds have ensured that land based spectators are kept informed of the yachts progress during the race with their positions plotted on the tracker.

Night Nurse (Russell McCart) and Bribie Star (Peter Sherwood) are throwing tactics at each other as they lead the other Farr 40's Cracklin Rosie (Bob Robertson) and e11even (David Elliott).

Bribie Star twittered 'Probably will only be at Double Island Point in the morning.', however it would seem that with the increased conditions the yachts received overnight has pushed them further forward from their original predictions.

The next sked is at 1005 hours which will give another position report on the website tracker.

The Radio Relay Vessel Kokoda is maintaining a close watch on the fleet and will stay with them until the last boat crosses the finish line outside of Keppel Bay Marina.

The race which is now in its third year is proudly sponsored by Club Marine, O'Reilley's Real Estate, Rockhampton Regional Council, Capricorn Tourism, Angove Family Wines, Rosslyn Bay Inn, Budget Rent A Car and SLAM. Once departing Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (race organiser) the yachts are welcomed by the hospitality of Keppel Bay Marina.

Race website - www.brisbanetokeppel.com

Sanity Clause - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - Suellen Hurling &copy Click Here to view large photo

Sweethart and GOA - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - Suellen Hurling &copy Click Here to view large photo

Gauntlet - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - Suellen Hurling &copy Click Here to view large photo

RRV Kokoda Crew - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - Suellen Hurling &copy Click Here to view large photo

by Suellen Hurling

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