Brannew

The temptation proved too strong for Chris Bran to come back for a second Rolex Sydney Hobart after scoring his first major offshore victory in winning overall the Sydney-Gold Coast Yacht Race in July this year. His decision was vindicated after winning the Botany Bay Race in October and the Gascoigne Cup in late October. This Beneteau First 40 Cruiser Racer was launched for in February 2012 “to race in the Hobart.” In the lead-up, Bran finished 18^th overall in the 2012 Sydney Gold Coast in which he won Division 3. He replicated his 18^th overall result in Rolex Sydney Hobart, with a second in Division 3, after using the CYCA’s Winter Series for crew training and to explore the inner workings of the boat.

Sailmaker, Ian Short of Ian Short Sails, acts as Sailing Master and his extensive knowledge in producing optimised sails for Beneteau yachts will be invaluable, as will his sailing expertise. Some of Short’s own long-term crew will be aboard, along with a few of Bran’s own crew from his previous boat, most of whom were aboard for the Gold Coast win.

Competitor Details