Rig damage makes Hobart down to the wire for iQ Komodo

• NEWS
• 02 Dec, 2015 04:00:00 PM

Rig damage makes Hobart down to the wire for iQ Komodo

2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race contender iQ Komodo has suffered a major set back in her lead up to this years race with news the mast has to be removed to carry out repairs.

After finishing third line honours in the recent RPAYC Bird Island Race, Skipper Andrew Butler and crew were in high spirits in the count down to the Boxing Day race.

“We had a great race and it put the entire crew in a good head space leading into December, we finished feeling not just ready for Sydney to Hobart but a real contender,” said iQ Komodo Skipper, Andrew Butler.

A routine rig inspection late last week uncovered a crack in the base plate that supports the foot of the mast.

“It’s a small crack that could have been easily missed, we made the decision to pull her out and get it completely repaired as the safety of the crew and the boat always comes first,” said Butler, “especially going into a race like Sydney Hobart where you never know what Mother Nature will throw at you.”

This type of repair work requires the whole mast to be removed and the boat out of the water for two weeks.

“It’s very frustrating, we have had to pull out of next weeks CYCA Bird Island Race in which we were hoping to bring our training and preparation to a head in the lead up to the Hobart, our partners The iQ Group Global have been great in their support and understanding under what have been a difficult few days for all involved,” he said.

iQ Komodo is still on track to compete in the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race even with this set back.

“It wouldn’t be a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race without a little bit of drama but don’t worry you will see us on the start line,” said Butler.

The 628 nautical mile ocean race kicks off at 1pm on Boxing Day, 26 December 2015, you can follow the journey on Facebook (iQKomodo) and Twitter (@iQKomodo).   

iQ Komodo media