Prime Minister Tony Abbott Launches Rolex Sydney Hobart Super Maxi Perpetual LOYAL

• NEWS
• 06 Nov, 2013 04:00:00 PM

Prime Minister Tony Abbott Launches Rolex Sydney Hobart Super Maxi Perpetual LOYAL

Prime Minister Tony Abbott officially launched super maxi Perpetual LOYAL’s 2013 Rolex Sydney Hobart campaign at Rose Bay Marina in Sydney today.

The launch officiated by Alan Jones OA marked Perpetual LOYAL’s entry in the 69^th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Perpetual LOYAL’s skipper and owner Anthony Bell, line honours winner of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in 2011, also announced Perpetual has signed a long term sponsorship with the Racing Team.

Anthony Bell announced World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist  and Americas Cup Winner, Tom Slingsby will join the crew, together with other professional sailors considered as benchmarks in their profession. As per LOYAL’s charity focus, they will again be joined by Australian iconic amateur crew recognised for excellence in their chosen field.

Two former Sydney Hobart campaigners: Larry Emdur, Channel 7 (2009/2010) and Karl Stefanovic, Channel 9 (2011) have thrown their support immediately behind the campaign to raise money for The Loyal Foundation. Perpetual LOYAL is pleased to announce that both will be taking place in this year’s campaign.

“We are delighted to have Perpetual as our principal sponsor for LOYAL’s 2013 campaign for the upcoming Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race," Anthony Bell said.

“Perpetual is one of Australia’s largest independent wealth managers and shares LOYAL’s commitment to high performance, strong team work and excellence.” 

“Perpetual LOYAL is ready to compete at the highest level in 2013 which will in turn allow the LOYAL Foundation, which has raised in excess of $3 million for children’s medical equipment since it was formed in 2009, to continue to raise much needed funds for charity. (www.loyalfoundation.com.au).

“The Australian public has opened its hearts to The LOYAL Foundation which has raised significant funds for sick children around Australia," Bell added

Crown Resorts has signed on as the secondary sponsor, with other corporate sponsors including Sonoma Artisan Bakers, Ella Bache, Mass Products and Mr Bell’s own company, Bell Partners, one of Australia’s leading accountancy and advisory firms.

“We are proud to be on board with LOYAL as she takes on her next challenge," Geoff Lloyd, CEO and Managing Director of Perpetual said.

“LOYAL and Perpetual share closely aligned brand values, with a passion for delivering excellence and a strong commitment to philanthropy.  With these principles in common, this makes Perpetual LOYAL the perfect partnership."

"It's been a race against the clock since acquiring the super maxi Rambler 100 in February," Bell said of the journey to rebuild the yacht.

Perpetual LOYAL only arrived in Australian waters last Thursday, from New Zealand and is painted a stark black with a unique red accent.

Rambler 100 has been referred to as the fastest super maxi in the world, however was last seen capsized during the Rolex Fastnet Race in August 2011 after its keel sheared off and all crew members were rescued at sea.

“We have completely rebuilt the boat, and have spent a lot of time and resources identifying previous faults and have hired some of the best technicians in the world to fix them. We believe we have overcome the keel risk by increasing the strength of the steel componentry and improving the design of the boat’s fin,” Bell added.

"Crown Resorts is extremely excited to be partnering with Loyal in this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, James Packer, Crown Chairman said.

“Loyal and its crew have already shown great character in winning the historic race in 2011 and we hope to be able to replicate that feat together this year.

“Crown has a number of strong community partnerships that revolve around sport and philanthropic endeavours and we are pleased to be associated with a crew that continues to contribute to charitable causes,” Packer added.

Bell said the lead-up to the race was short and the crew would be training hard to master the boat.

By Perpetual LOYAL racing team media