MAKO, the much travelled Sydney 40, owned by a Newcastle (NSW) syndicate, is officially the first entry received for Airlie Beach Race Week 2022, which will be held in the Whitsunday Islands from August 11 to 18.
Entered by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) CEO Paul O’Rourke, Mako is a well-used yacht that was originally built for the 1999 Admiral’s Cup. Under the name of ‘Computer Products’, she formed part of the winning Dutch Team that year.
Mr O’Rourke said the crew was fired up and ready to race in the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s popular event.
“The boat is entered for the whole northern circuit this year, but Airlie Beach is the only event I’ll be doing. Last time we were up there (in 2019), Mako finished third in Division 2. We plan to better that result,” he said.
“We pretty much have a set of new sails. We’re just getting the main repaired after the Hobart…”
Mako was among the 31 retirements, in 2021.
“This is our fourth year as a syndicate of 10 on Mako, he continued
“Four of us, including our Rear Commodore Adrian Kiely will be at Airlie Beach. It’s my favourite regatta because it has a nice balance of island sailing and windward/leewards.
“It’s easy to find good accommodation, it’s socially fun and I enjoy the good old-fashioned hospitality the club provides.”
Ross Chisholm, event chairman for WSC’s annual regatta, said they had 25 entries confirmed, which were deferred from last year’s event because they were unable to attend due to COVID restrictions.
“So their owners requested their entries be held over for this year,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing a return to the large numbers we usually enjoy, given the depleted fleets in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.”
For more information on Airlie Beach Race Week, visit: www.abrw.com.au
Featured photo by Peter Chappell.