Bet247 and Sailing Services have joined forces to contest the  2009 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Sailing Services Nick Athineos and Rick Christian co-purchased Broomstick from Michael Cranitch in late-2009, and have given the 'old girl' a new lease of life for the 2009 race as Sailing Services Bet247.

As Broomstick, the boat was re-built into a 66 footer in 2002, and the first race she undertook was the Rolex Sydney Hobart and she was 8th across the line.  Since then she has been a regular winter and twilight series competitor, winning the Winter Series three times including this year's Audi Winter Series. Broomstick was also third over the line in the Ocean Pointscore Sydney Newcastle Race in February.

Name Broomstick Race name Sailing Services BET247 Launch year 1991 Sail number 8848 Owner Richard Christian Skipper Richard Christian Crew M Stewardson, A Pettica, A Dunphy, C Bernadi, R McColl, L Robekk, G Vest, C Hardake, D George, R Bunter, P Basham, S Scott, B Moore, G Harradine, R Shone Club CYCA State NSW Type Modified 66 Designer Nandor FA/Steinman Builder Nandor FA/Cranitch Construction Composite LOA 20.15 Beam 4.8 Draft 4

. Thirty four to line-up for Cabbage Tree Island Race