Looking like winners at Sunferries Magnetic Island
Ian Hamilton's Townsville yacht, Akarana was a divisional winner at the inaugural Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week and this year she's back aiming to make an even bigger splash. 
'Akarana'
Townsville Cruising Yacht Club Click Here to view large photo
Skipper Michael Dunne and her crew will be hitting the start line in Tuxedos and Board shorts.
Akarana will be following the newsworthy example of the internationally known racing yacht Hugo Boss, whose crew appeared on the start line of the last Rolex Sydney to Hobart in black Hugo Boss suits.
Dunne says 'A great idea .. but hardly sensible sailing gear for the tropics. We are much less formal here, hence the board shorts. We figure if start off in style that can give us a winning edge.'
No content with a winning gimmick, the Akarana team have a 'genuine winner' on the boat.
The overall 2007 Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week winner, Tasmanian Harold Clarke who skippered Impeccable to a 15 second series win beating Townsville's own Zoe, is sailing with the Akarana team.
He said he'd be back in 2008 and he is, on the mainsheet on Akarana. He is likely to be providing some serious tactical input.
Akarana won the Performance Racing division, even after having a crew member go overboard but they still recovered to win.
Skipper Michael Dunn said this afternoon, 'We've been practicing weekends and on Wednesday night twilight sails in preparation for this year's event.
'We did have a hiccup, crew member Gordon Solomon only just made it home in time for the event. Has been on his honeymoon in Thailand and wasn't able to leave due to riots, but he is back and keen to go.'
'Our crew uniform is a bit of fun, but we are sure Harold will teach us a lot this week.'
by Rob Kothe 
Aldgate, SA
