Black Jack due to arrive in Brisbane this week
The ship carrying the American Reichel Pugh 66 to be renamed from Stark Raving Mad to Black Jack is due to arrive at Fisherman's Wharf in Brisbane River on Wednesday evening.The crew based in Brisbane will be on hand to prepare the canting keeled yacht for its maiden Australian race the from Sydney to Southport in late July. .jpg)
'Black Jack. Photo: Mark Bradford'
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Black Jack's home club Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, based on the waters of Waterloo Bay is unable to accommodate the 66 footer due to its 4.5m draft. Instead Black Jack will be based from Rivergate Marina under the Gateway Bridge on the Brisbane River.
Black Jack will also race in the 2nd Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race starting on the 2nd of August before making her way to Hamilton Island for Race Week.
'We plan on racing in all major events on the east coast of Australia,' said skipper and former American's Cup sailor Mark Bradford. 'There is lots to do to prepare her for racing but with the talented sailors on board it's sure to make that preparation easier,' continued Bradford.
The crew will hit the water as soon as possible once the yacht is ready to race for a few training sessions before she heads south to Sydney. Eager to get on the water, the crew are aware of the huge learning curve that lies ahead of them.
'It's an exciting campaign. We are just eager to get Black Jack to Brisbane and start racing,' said Bradford.
Website coming soon: www.blackjackyachting.com
by Suellen Hurling 
Port Macquarie, NSW
