Merlin

Merlin was 16th overall and fourth in Division 2 of the Rolex Sydney Hobart last year and was the best overall performed boat over 50 feet. In her other three Hobarts, finished 17th overall and eighth in Division A in 2003, retired along with many others from the difficult 2004 race, and finished 14th overall and second in Division C in 2006. Dave Forbes will leave the boat in the hands of Joseph Earl, as he did last year. At 81, he has done more sailing than most. A triple Olympian, representing Australia at the 1968 Mexico (Star), 1972 Munich (won gold in the Star) and 1976 Montreal Games (Soling), Forbes was only the second Australian to win an Olympic gold medal. He competed in the 1970 and 1977 Americas Cup challenges and represented Australia in six Admirals Cup teams and also sailed numerous Hobart races, including helping helm Love & War to victory in the 1974 Hobart. Won the Port Hacking Race in mid-November.

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