Ichi Ban

Matt Allen has again assembled a top-notch cast for the annual race to Tasmania. Michael 'Spiesy' Spies will make it 36 races this year and is always a fantastic hand to have on a boat, having co-skippered Nokia to her line honours win in 1999 and First National Real Estate to an overall win in 2003. Add Robert Case, Dave 'Dingo' Rolfe, Scott Lawson and Doug McGain, an Olympic coach, to the mix and you have a winning formula. A past commodore of the CYCA and Yachting Australia Vice President, Allen has campaigned various boats for years in ocean races in Australia and in 23 Hobarts. This ex Volvo Ocean Racer has reaped some great results for Allen, second on line in 2006 and third in 2007 and 2008. He has come so close winning the race overall too; fourth in 2006 and fifth in 2007. In that no-man's land 70ft range, it takes special weather and the right moves to place this boat which finished seventh on line and 25th overall last year. However, Ichi Ban's crew is up to the task.

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