While unfortunate that super-maxi Perpetual LOYAL suffered hull damage only 24 hours into their 2014 Sydney to Hobart Campaign, professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons was thankful for the early arrival on dry land.

She might be a world champion surfer, but apparently being on a 100ft super maxi isn’t as easy as bobbing about with a 5’10” between your legs! Sally reported on the dock in Sydney that she spent most of her time on board with her head in a bucket, a far cry from the pre-sailing image adjacent where she was all smiles.

Also on board the boat were boxer Danny Green and former rugby player Phil Waugh, part of a ‘celebrity’ crew on board the yacht which successfully raised over $1million for charity in the leadup to the event.

Despite her somewhat spewy ride, Sally was still stoked with her efforts in the race and vowed to return so that she can finish a Sydney to Hobart race after this attempt was cut short. Perpetual Loyal hit 'something' in the water a little over one day into the race, sustaining damage to the hull and taking on water; forcing them to return to Sydney.

“It was one heck of a ride doing my very first Sydney to Hobart on board Perpetual LOYAL with such an amazing crew. Devastating to experience hull damage after a rough night and not make it to Hobart and have to turn back. But for Anthony Bell & all the crew at Loyal Foundation to raise over a million dollars for charity was just incredible. Thanks for such a memorable moment in my journey.”

Ah well Sally, it happens to the best of us!

 

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