Two Australian Classic Yachts take on Trans Tasman adventure

3:21 PM Thu 19 Nov 2009 GMT

'Wraith of Odin - an immaculately restored 57 ft Alden Malabar XIII built in 1950' Mark Chew

In contrast to the current absurdity of the Americas Cup, I thought the readers might like to here of a genuinely Corinthian adventure which is due to get under way in December.

Two Australian Classic Yachts, 'Wraith of Odin' and 'Fair Winds' are planning to sail 1,200 nm across the Tasman from Brisbane to Auckland to compete in a four day series called the Southern Trust Regatta for Classic Yachts. Despite both yachts having highly experienced crews there are no professionals on board, there is no sponsorship involved and the only motivation is a bit of adventure and the chance to challenge the Kiwis in their own back yard.

'Fair Winds' is a 1956 43ft Philip Rhodes design (no 633) owned by Royal Yacht Club of Victoria member Mark Chew, crewed by Royals members, and built by Abeking Rassmussen in Germany.

Fair-Winds - 1956 43ft Philip Rhodes design (no 633) - Mark Chew

'Wraith of Odin' is an immaculately restored 57 ft Alden Malabar XIII built in 1950 with a long record of offshore racing. She is owned by Keith Glover and sailed out of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

If you have wondered why numbers of active sailing participants have declined over the last few years look no further than attitudes of those contesting (or not contesting) the AC.

If you want a solution...... Take two stunningly beautiful 50+year old yachts.......adventure across 1,200 nm miles of ocean with a bunch of mates. Race then HARD when you get there don't care too much about the result.

It works for me.

by Mark Chew