How do you get a 20 footer to Vanuatu?

2:14 AM Thu 22 Oct 2009 GMT

'Arguably the fastest cat in the country, especially for its size - Melbourne to Vanuatu' John Curnow

So just how do you get a 20 footer to Vanuatu? Simple. Make sure it is a container and then place it on a ship. APC Logistics has very generously donated the transport fees to Vanuatu for a 20' container full of educational materials and humanitarian aid, as part of the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's 2010 Melbourne to Vanuatu.

The container will arrive just before the competitors in 2010, thereby allowing ORCV Commodore, George Shaw, to oversee its distribution and make sure 100% of the materials reach those who really need them.

Now it's not only ships that form a part of the bloodlines at APC Logistics. Sailing is very much part of the way of life there too. APC's CEO is Tony Considine, who is a dedicated multihull sailor from Sandringham Yacht Club and most currently known for owning and driving 'Mad Max', a 10m Grainger designed, super slippery catamaran. 'Mad Max' often gets referred to as the fastest cat in the country, thanks to its huge power to weight set up that sees them regularly taking line honours or indeed setting records, such as at the last Marlay Point Overnight Race. Tony's boats have won the last four Marlay Point events, so it was going to be hard for him to fly under the radar with the new boat. He did try, by not being onboard as he honoured some work commitments, but the crew managed to smash the record none the less. This race historically goes into the early hours of Sunday morning, or if they have parked with no breeze, then often it is late on the Sunday morning before the fleet makes it home. 'Mad Max' has set the record covering the approximately 60nm course in just three hours and 49 minutes, to finish a little over half an hour before midnight on the same day!

Brian Slater, APC Logistics' National Compliance Manager has gotten the bug again since partaking in the last four of SYC's terrifically fun Corporate Days aboard Peter Blake and Kate Mitchell's 'Goldfinger'. 'They really are the perfect hosts', Brian said to me today. 'I am lucky my real role at APC is to make the most of APC's involvement on those days.' I am sure he's got a lot else to do, but it is good to see him having fun with it all. Brian certainly knows the pointy end from the blunt. Somtime ago now, he served his ocean apprenticeship aboard the late Dr. Mac Stokoe's 'Milluna' and 'Myuna' doing M2H, M2KI and a plethora of the Bass Strait circuit along the way with the good Doctor. Today, as a result of the family being a little older, Brian can make a regular appearance on 'The Secretary'.

As it was done in 2006, so shall it be done again in 2010 thanks to APC Logistics... - Melbourne to Vanuatu - John Curnow

The Rotary Club of Brighton North, represented by Richard Potter is organising the contents of the container that will assist the likes of the North Vila School. Sincere thanks to Richard and Rotary for their efforts in assisting the ORCV in being such a good corporate citizen - it would not be possible to help Vanuatu the nation without you.

In the end, the ORCV and the people of Vanuatu would also like to thank Tony Considine, Brian Slater and the whole APC Logistics team. You've exceeded everyone's expectations with your generous 20-foot gift, so it really is little wonder then that your corporate ethos is 'to exceed our clients' expectations in everything we do'.

Link to the 2010 Melbourne to Vanuatu NOR is HERE ( orcv.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&;view=article&id=750:2010m2vnor&catid=160:forthcoming-races ).

If you need your freight forwarding and customs clearing requirements exceeded, then perhaps you should go and look at www.apclogistics.com.au !