Club Marine B2K Tropical Yacht Race finished

'Presentation - Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race' Suellen Hurling &copy

The Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race has drawn to a close after the presentation of trophies this morning. Yachts and crews are now departing Keppel Bay Marina on the high tide.

Peter Harburg's Black Jack emulated name sake Sir Jack Brabham's winning form dominating the major trophies taking out line honours, IRC and Performance Handicap. As a bonus this sleek racing yacht has set a new record with the alternate and now established finish outside Keppel Bay Marina.

Kevin Miller's Farr 40 Bribie Star skippered by Peter Sherwood placed second on IRC and PHS with the inaugural champions Wedgetail finishing a respectable third in both handicap classes.

Bribie Star's skipper Peter Sherwood made special mention to the crew and support team on Black Jack for their huge effort to make the start line after a quick dash from Sydney leading up to the start of the race.

'We were determined to make to race start to support our home club Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and we are certainly glad we did,' said Black Jack skipper Mark Bradford.

Keppel Bay Marina owners Libbie and Richard Wilson were ecstatic with the events that unfolded during the race and were excited about hosting the celebrations. Libbie and Richard together with General Manager Kylie Wilson have committed to playing hosts for the 2009 race.

The skippers and crews racing in the event were bowled over by the hospitality they were welcomed with. The staff that made up the large shore based team have definitely made a mark with the crews of the competing yachts with their enthusiasm and friendly smiles. Nothing was a problem.

Vice Commodore Russell McCart emphasized that this race will grow in coming years.

'This is a fun tropical event with some serious racing involved and we hope to see more yachts, especially those from down south and up north take part next year,' said McCart.

Penny Hare, navigator on board David Elliott's Beneteau 44.7 On Y Va won the Navigators Prize. Penny was 3 minutes 32 seconds outside the predicted finish time resulting in her winning a pair of Tasco Binoculars.

Penny Hare - presentation Club Marine Brisbane to Keppel Tropical Yacht Race - Suellen Hurling &copy

Tam Faragher from Ultimate Positioning and Mike Freebairn from MDBS Spirit of Koomooloo won the SMS Update prizes for the most communication received by the Race Media Team whilst racing.

The event has received rave reviews from virtual spectators and crews alike all stating that preparations, information and updates on the event website were regular and accurate.

The start date for the 2009 race has been scheduled for Saturday 1st August 2009.

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Race Committee passed on their thanks and appreciation to Keppel Bay Marina for their assistance and support in making the event a huge success.

For information log onto the race website www.brisbanetokeppel.com