Originally designed as a Corel 45 one-design class in the USA and Europe, Rush is now described as an ILC 45 and was imported by Ian and John Paterson.  Rush’s first major regattas on Port Phillip were the Skandia Race Week at Geelong and the Top of the Bay Regatta which saw Rush win IRC Division A after some tight racing on the bay. Rush then went north for the Hamilton Island Race Week where she sailed without success in the star-studded fleet.