Etihad Stadium confirmed for Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race

7:18 AM Tue 29 Dec 2009 GMT

'Etihad Stadium was left in the harbour testing their rig, before announcing their retirement shortly after 2pm. - Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2009' Teri Dodds &copy

Following the disappointment of missing out on the Hobart Race for Grant Wharington's luckless 98ft Etihad Stadium Wild Thing, the team have worked overtime to fix the rig and replace the runner blocks in time to officially enter the 2010 Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht race late today.

The news is great for host Club RPAYC as the other 100 footer, Wild Oats XI is on her way back from Hobart to compete in the first yacht race of the new decade. Etihad Stadium will give Wild Oats XI a run for her money and not make it such a one horse race.

With the recent modifications of the longer, lighter mast and extended keel yet to be seriously tested for Etihad Stadium, it's going to be an interesting and challenging race up front for these super maxis.

Etihad Stadium’s Skipper Grant Wharington (left) with navigator Graeme ’GT’ Taylor. - Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2009 - Teri Dodds &copy

Spokesperson for Etihad Stadium navigator Graham Taylor said, 'Following the disappointment of the Hobart race, everyone has put a lot of effort to get the boat ready for the Coffs race. We actually had sorted the rig issue out on the 27th and had a good sail that day, it was just unfortunate it was a day too late but that's the way these things go. Anyway, we've worked hard to get the boat ready for the Coffs race. The boat's better than it ever was.'

Commenting on entering the Coffs race Taylor added, 'There are a lot of guys who have put in a lot of effort and were disappointed not to get a race to Hobart so we were all keen to give the boat and the team a real work out, so we'll head North instead of South and we're all really looking forward to it.

This will be my first Coffs race so I am excited and it's also great to hear that the Oats has turned around and on her way back, so we'll get our chance to line up against her. It should be fantastic, we're really looking forward to this race.'

The 29th running of the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht race gets underway at 1pm this Saturday 2nd January.

The race record of 18 hrs 29 minutes 14 secs is sure to be tested by both these yachts with the forecast looking favourable at this stage for the start and the race up the mid north Coast.

For the event website visit www.pittwatertocoffs.com.au