Mistral

Pierre Gal last headed to Hobart as the skipper of the modified Inglis 47,CEX Dolce in 2015, but the mast broke early in the piece and that was the end of that. The Frenchman, who has called Coffs Harbour home for some years, is back with Mistral, a Lombard 34. Gal, who learned to sail at five years of age, in France, is a noted sports boat fanatic and regularly competes, with two wins up north at Airlie Beach Race Week and two wins at the Festival of Sail in Geelong and other regattas. The Frenchman with flare has the added bonus of learning sail making when he was 16 and went on to sail the America’s Cup on France 3. In the past, he has won the Pittwater Coffs Harbour race three times. “Also, I built Mistral from scratch, including the hull, rigging and sails. I like to add that nothing is imported, except me,” said Gal. “So why not do the Sydney Hobart. My crew are excellent; world champions, America’s Cup sailors, national champions and best mates!”

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