Local Yacht Makes a Splash

A LOCAL yacht racing team has officially pushed the boat out at Gladstone Ports Corporation’s marina – signifying the beginning of a busy training season for the Restless racing crew ahead of the 74th Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.

Gladstone’s darling Wistari will also join Restless on the water this Easter after winning the Courier-Mail Cup, one of Australia’s oldest and continual perpetual trophies.

Restless and Wistari’s entries mean that five boats are now officially qualified and registered for the iconic race.

Race registrations officially opened last November, giving boaties a five-month head start to get their qualifying ticket under their belt, bring their crews up to speed and make sure their boats were in ship shape with all the bells and whistles working.

Restless Skipper John Ibell said every January for the past nine years the Restless crew rolls up their sleeves and gets to work to make sure they are race-ready for a 300-nautiucal mile journey that lies ahead of them.

“After a month or so on land we have finally put Restless back on the water after giving her an annual maintenance and doing a keel and rudder check,” Mr Ibell said.

“Sailing club season has started again so we’re keen to get training again now she’s in the water,” he said.

“And the training is tough, we have a lot of skills to perfect including practicing sail changes and trimming,”

“We do some races around Keppel Bay beforehand so we do spend a lot of time away qualifying for the race as a team.”

Mr Ibell said every year, the Restless racing team reveals their new uniforms on the morning of the race.

“Our uniforms have become a hit, they’re a bit different and quite colourful but everyone loves them.”

Marina Superintendent David Osmond said while boaties were fine-tuning their boats, GPC was also getting ready to welcome race-goers across the finish line in style.

“Our beautiful Marina has front row seats to the action and it’s situated at the race finish line,” Mr Osmond said.

“Our team at GPC has put in a lot of work to transform the Marina area and we are very proud to offer our modern facilities and for competitors and visiting boaties to relax in our stylish marina lounge,” he said.

Race entries close 5pm Monday 28th March.