Rudderless Ichi Ban back on course

• NEWS
• 25 Dec, 2002 08:05:00 PM

Rudderless Ichi Ban back on course

A new rudder and stock has finally arrived by air from Malaysia for Ichi Ban, the rudderless entrant for tomorrow's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

A new rudder and stock finally arrived by air from Malaysia early this evening for Ichi Ban,  the rudderless entrant for tomorrow's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

After a day of nail-biting, crew members fitted the replacement rudder tonight, with the boat due to go back in the water shortly before midnight.

Ichi Ban will be one of 57 yachts on the line for the 1pm race start from Sydney Harbour as one of the favoured boats to do well in the IMS and IRC handicap divisions.

The Farr 52, launched only six weeks ago, lost her rudder when sailing off Sydney Heads last Sunday.

The rudder, built in fast time by the yacht's builders, DK Yachts in Malaysia,  had been due on a morning flight was held up by a security check.

Airport officials became suspicious when x-rays showed metal in the large package containing the rudder and stock.

They ordered the package to be opened and although quickly satisfied,  the flight had left.

DK Yachts then organised it to be flown to Sydney on a flight that arrived about 5.30pm and Australians Customs,  alerted to the problem facing owner/skipper Matt Allen and his crew,  cleared the replacement rudder immediately,

"It's the best Christmas present I could have received today,"  the relieved Allen said tonight he and the crew worked on the boat at Noakes Rigging.

"Once the epoxy hardens we can put her back in the water and as we don't want to use the engine immediately,  the boat will be towed back to the CYCA by about midnight," he added.

With Martin James' Farr 65, Infinity III, also completing her repairs yesterday,  a full fleet of 57 yachts will be on the starting line tomorrow for the 1pm start.

With moderate winds expected from the south-west,  the fleet got well enjoy a somewhat rare spinnaker start and run to the Heads.