Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore 24/25

News
2023
Cruise Control

Cruise Control

NEWS
22 Sep, 2023 10:27:00 AM

Cruise Control

CYCA legend of lifestyle Kevin Whelan, is taking a crew of six on the Flinders Islet race this week. Though his daughter Alexis is away and won't make it, there will still be no shortage of lady luck onboard. Kevin will act has navigator, with Pierre Briand acting as 2IC for the Rêve crew.

“The crew and I are excited to be back on the water, and to have a great season with another Hobart on the horizon!" says Kevin.

"Having recently brought the boat back from the Gold Coast, we've taken the opportunity to antifoul the boat, audit our sail wardrobe and do those jobs which you can only do with the boat out of the water,” continues Kevin.

“It'll be great to be out there for the Flinders Islet Race, and I know the crew is looking forward to it.”

As we speak to Kevin, he's busy taking off all the heavy things on the boat, to make it 'lighter and faster.’

"Cutlery, crockery and the coffee the machine all have to go," says Kevin. With a light, south easterly predicted, it’s time to get into race mode and make the well-stocked Rêve 'a little less homely’.

"The forecast looks light, though notably, it's due to improve marginally, according to the forecast of the last 36 hours. Certainly, it will be a race where position, trimming and sail planning will be key," he says.

“We have plenty of experienced sailors on board for the race. Pierre Briand is 2IC, the main man or the mainsail man,” laughs Kevin.

As most would agree, with every single crew member returning to Rêve, for this second race in the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore, Kevin Whelan is clearly doing something right. He always assembles a dynamic mix of young, female and highly experienced crew, who are ready and willing to set sail under his cool brand of tutelage.

For the Flinders Islet Race, Kevin Whelan will be joined by Pierre, Charles and Eleanor, Lisa McPhee and Kristy Sturrock.

“We’re very pleased to have Kirsty, a member of the royal family of sailing joining us,” says Kevin.

"The real history of why we love sailing Rêve is that she is part of the family," Alexis explains. “Rêve was a big part of my childhood for several years as we travelled. She is our version of a family home. And Rêve is still a place where you can come as you are, and you are always welcome,” says Alex chatting to us at the very start of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore.

Alexis says when it comes to rituals and traditions - tried and tested adherences are still place.

“My Dad Kevin Whelan, cooks to relax. My Mum Jayne Whelan, also never lets the crew take bananas onboard for a race, because she still believes in that silly old wife's tale. Dad led the crew to Hobart last year, and although it was a long, slow race, everyone really enjoyed it. It’s always a great time on Rêve – the crew really is a family."

Whether they are racing fast or slow, or cruising around, the ethos of the boat remains consistent.

“Our main philosophy is that we all support and learn from each other throughout the race, which is why we have such a strong relationship with our crew on a personal level. We did take first place home in the PHS in the 2017 and 2018 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast races –so let’s see how we go with the Pointscore. We didn’t take part in the Hamilton Island Race Week because we usually use this time to reset Rêve, and prepare her for the rest of the Audi Centre Sydney Blue Water Pointscore ending with the Rolex Sydney to Hobart.”

The boat itself is a true beauty. The First 45F5 is a design that made great strides in terms of aerodynamics, performance, cutting-edge technology, pure intelligence and beauty when it was first produced. And it is one design that's proved her strength and durability, in a million and one different conditions.

“Well, the story goes that one day, Mrs Beneteau had lunch with Sergio Pininfarina of Pininfarina in France. Beneteau I am led to believe, used to, traditionally make trawlers, but together he decided they would design a yacht, to beautify the sport and for the world to appreciate.

“He then started off and designed this specific boat to fit in with his normal stables of sports vehicles like Ferrari, Maserati and the design he came up with was the pioneering 45F5 - which we still sail today. It’s a union of the three worlds and most importantly, three names in design. A concert of virtues from Beneteau, Bruce Farr, and Pininfarina."