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Australia’s Fastest Cow set to lead the herd
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9:40 PM Sat 26 Jun 2010 GMT
Sydneysider John Clinton, famed for the sight of his long grey beard streaming aft when he is at the helm, last year won the Boat of the Series award and again will be herding up his Beneteau Oceanis 50 Holy Cow for the event. The Harley riding, charter skipper, recreational sailor and Wolverines drummer, regards Airlie Beach Race Week as the most friendly on the calendar.
'You hear some wonderful things about the regatta – (race director) Denis Thompson and his officials are excellent and the camaraderie, well, if you want a friendly regatta, this is the one,' John said in confirming his entry. 'It really is very well organised and that is a huge thing if you are a boat owner – from the time you sail into Meridien’s Abel Point marina, people are ready to ask if you need a hand.' He has competed in Airlie Beach Race Week every year for the past decade. This year, John will be sailing with a crew of 10 to 16 'depending on how social we are feeling on the particular day,' but one sure member of crew will be his 'first mate' Kim. 'I am very lucky to have her – she also owns half the boat ... and it’s the side which is always nearest to any rocks,' he quipped. When not taking charters on Sydney harbour or doing short hauls along the east coast, John keeps the beat with the Wolverines - a country-influenced group that has produced seven albums – about five of them comprising their own material. The Wolverines are featured entertainers in the Airlie Beach Race Week marquee erected on-site where sailors gather each night to reflect on the day’s happenings. Their songs reflect a unique blend of humour, ribaldry and charitable passion for good causes including raising money for cystic fibrosis research, as well as a healthy dose of sailing themes. The current Holy Cow, the third to carry that name in the ownership of John and Kim, was launched in 2007. In its bovine and lime green livery, it will be competing in the very popular Cruising class, one of ten in the regatta. Other classes are IRC Racing, IRC Cruising; Performance Racing; Cruising; Cruising (non spinnaker); One Design; Sports Boats; Sports Boats (Inshore); Multi-Hulls and Super 30.
'They also took out the Boat of The Series – an award also known as the Boss Hog trophy.' 'The award is given to the crew judged to best represent the ideals of the regatta – good hard sailing while recognising that having a sensational and friendly time is of at least equal importance,' Mr McCart said. Meridien Marinas owns Abel Point Marina which is the regatta’s headquarters; the company also undertaking development of the nearby Port of Airlie marina. Construction of the Boathouse Apartments in the $750 million Port Of Airlie development is scheduled for completion late this year and construction of the marina berths already is underway. A field of 130 yachts is expected for this year’s Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week. Most events will start mid-morning and are scheduled to have yachts back in the Abel Point Marina by around 4.30 p.m. each day. The regatta’s web site at www.airliebeachraceweek.com.au carries full event entry details.
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