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Festival Of Sails

Ocean Skins ready to contend the trophy

While he didn’t quite make it to the finish, RGYC’s Tony Fowler is still buoyed by his recent effort in the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.

After winning the start, he sailed the western side of King Island in his Beneteau First 47.7, Ocean Skins, but was forced to retire after 98 hours due to lack of wind – just 20kms from the finish line.

“We took a vote and decided we’d prefer to get to the Race Party on New Year’s Eve than keep going!” says Tony.

“We’ve done a lot of serious racing and weren’t too disappointed to miss the finish on this one. We love sailing, but it doesn’t all have to be competitive. It’s important to have fun and enjoy it.”

A previous winner in the PHS division at the Festival of Sails, Tony will compete in the Cruising Spinnaker division this year.

“I’ll be excited to get Ocean Skins out on the water. I’ve had her for four years and she’s ready to race,” he said.

Ocean Skins will run with 10-12 crew including some experienced hands off another boat and new sailors.

Entries to the 2016 Festival of Sails close this Friday, January 15.