Koomooloo Launches For Its 10^th Sydney to Hobart Race

The 1968 Sydney to Hobart yacht race winner and Australian yachting classic ‘Koomooloo’ launches today from Brisbane’s premier shipyard Rivergate Marina in what will begin this magnificent sloops 10^th journey south for this prestigious yachting event.

Queensland Yachtsman of the Year,  Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Member and owner/skipper Mike Freebairn has been working on the yacht with assistance from the staff at Rivergate Marina for the past 4 weeks to ensure she is prepared for another adventure south.

“It’s been great having the old girl here at Rivergate.  The staff have made the whole ordeal of a new varnish job to the Mahogany hull and refit a total breeze”, said Freebairn.

“The facilities here at Rivergate are fantastic and I know we will definitely be bringing ‘Koomooloo’ back for any work she needs in the future.”

“Hempel Marine has also assisted us and provided the varnish required to ensure the hull looks in top condition.  It takes a lot of work to keep this hull shiny and with Hempel Marine on board it definitely make the process easier”

The Kaufman 41 will race to Hobart this year with eight crew on board under the name of ‘Ray White Koomooloo’. 

“Ray White has been a huge supporter of our campaign and they are back again this year to follow us to Hobart.  We hope to again win our division or better our result by taking out the entire race overall”, said Freebairn in credit of the sponsor.

The crew of Peter Sherwood, Adrian Reed, Paul White, Steve Zaphir, Craig Smith, Ben Harberg and Donny Cassons will sail ‘Ray White Koomooloo’ out of Sydney heads bound for Hobart on Boxing Day.

“Each time we head south we never know what conditions we are going to be faced with.  Being one of the oldest boats in the fleet doesn’t worry us at all.  She (‘Ray White Koomooloo’) is a solid vessel and has battled many a storm and some of the most severe weather seen on the East Coast of Australia.  I’m sure we will make it safe and sound and I know we will give the new designs a run for their money”, said Freebairn just as the Rivergate Marina travelift gently floats the classic yacht back into the waters of the Brisbane River.

The crew leave Brisbane bound for Sydney on the high tide tomorrow.  With the delivery south expected to take just three days this ensures the crew has plenty of time for some much needed rest before the race begins at midday on the 26^th.

“The majority of our campaign is self funded however we would never make it to the start line if it wasn’t for the ongoing assistance and support from our sponsors.  Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, Hempel Marine, Publicis Mojo and of course Ray White.”

‘Koomooloo’ has be with the Freebairn family for the last 10 years and is an active racer in local events at its home club of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Related Links

Rolex Sydney to Hobart - http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron – http://www.rqys.com.au 

For information contact:

Suellen Hurling – Media Officer
Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

http://www.rqys.com.au
sailingschool@rqys.com
+61 7 3396 8666

_____________________________________________________________

Suellen Hurling

Sailing School Manager | Supervising Instructor
Team Racing Coordinator | Development Squad Coordinator

RQYS Sailing School - A Yachting Australia Accredited Teaching Establishment

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron
578 Royal Esplanade Manly 4179 | PO Box 5021 Manly 4179

Phone: 3396 8666   Fax: 3393 4100

www.rqys.com.au | sailingschool@rqys.com.au