Roger Hickman wins Mariner Boating Croatian holiday

11:27 PM Sun 18 Apr 2010 GMT

'Trevor and Maggie Joyce with Hicko' Andrea Francolini &copy

He mightn't have come away with a win on the water but Roger Hickman is leaving Sail Port Stephens a happy man having won the holiday for two to take part in Mariner Boating Holiday's Croatian yacht rally in June next year.

Drawn at the end of series trophy presentation late yesterday afternoon, the winning ticket was one of two extras granted to the early birds who submitted their Sail Port Stephens regatta entries in a timely fashion - demonstrating it pays to get entries for the growing regatta in early!

Roger Hickman - Crosbie Lorimer Click Here to view large photo

An overwhelmed Hickman admitted his win is a touch bittersweet as his long-time friend Sally Gordon, who tragically died during an offshore night race last October, had been to Croatia with Mariner Boating Holidays and had raved about her holiday.

'Sally had such a wonderful time in Croatia so it was definitely on my bucket list, number one in fact.

'For a sailor, this is like winning two tickets to the World Cup, only better.

'Trevor Joyce is a great ambassador for sailing and has taken many of my friends on wonderful overseas trips. It's something I've always dreamt of doing,' Hickman added.

Likewise Joyce, founder and managing director of Mariner Boating Holidays, is delighted someone of Hickman's calibre will be joining the rally through the stunning islands of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

'He's a very deserving winner. To have an icon of the Australian sailing world join us, well I couldn't ask for a better transmitter. I'm really looking forward to showing him what I know of the area.'

(Images from the presentation will be posted as soon as available)

For further information please visit www.sailportstephens.com.au

Mariner Boating Holidays www.marinerboating.com