Who's the skipper?

Australian cricket captain, Michael Clarke, will make his ocean racing debut in one month’s time when he joins the Perpetual LOYAL yacht racing team to compete in the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race, starting on July 26.

Speaking at the official announcement at the CYCA, Clarke said the 384 nautical mile race would take him well outside his comfort zone and professional sporting career. He will commence specialised training on board Perpetual LOYAL shortly to fully prepare for the challenge. He has elected to undertake this commitment during pre- season training while there are no Australian Cricket commitments.

"I haven’t had much sailing experience – my Dad used to own a fishing boat charter and I remember when I went out with him I was seasick every time," Clarke said. "I’m also petrified of sharks."

"I’ve been working with Anthony Bell (owner of Perpetual LOYAL) for a while now to try and see how we could work together and I’m really glad to be part of the team. This is the first time I have been able to join the crew as they are usually setting off for Hobart at about the same time I am tossing a coin in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

"I look forward to working with the rest of the crew over the coming weeks and of course winning the race," added Clarke, one of a growing list of sporting luminaries who have become attracted to the sport of offshore racing.

Winning America’s Cup sailor Tom Slingsby and ex-Wallaby turned sailor Phil Waugh will join Clarke and Bell and the professional members of the Perpetual LOYAL yacht racing team as they vie to take line honours from Bob Oatley’s super maxi Wild Oats XI, the current race record holder.
Clarke, in conjunction with the LOYAL Foundation, will also host the ‘Clarkey for Kids’ fundraising lunch on July 24, two days before the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race gets underway.

"For some time I have been giving thought to how I can use my profile to make more of a difference to people in need," Clarke said.

"Over the last few years, three infants very close to me have needed lifesaving medical equipment to survive. While the Doctors are doing an amazing job, there is a huge shortage of reliable medical equipment."

Every single dollar raised at the lunch and from those who wish to support Clarke in his ocean race to the Gold Coast will go to the LOYAL Foundation, which will in turn purchase lifesaving children’s medical equipment.

With two weeks remaining until entries close for the race’s 29th edition, the fleet has grown to 43.  CYCA officials are anticipating a final fleet of around 70 yachts.

Interstate entrants include Black Jack (Peter Harburg) and Not a Diamond (David Redfern) from Queensland; Concubine (Shevaun Bruland) from South Australia; Tasmanians Audere (Michael Pritchard) and Helsal 3 (Rob Fisher), with three Victorian yachts Chutzpah (Bruce Taylor), Primitive Cool (John Newbold) and Twitch (Hugh Ellis) balancing the numerous New South Wales entries.

Entry can be completed online until 1700 hours on Friday, July 11 by logging on to http://goldcoast.cyca.com.au/competitors/online-race-entry/

To view the Notice of Race log on to http://goldcoast.cyca.com.au/competitors/race-documents/