RAD banks on better luck

LAUNCESTON to Hobart (L2H) entrant, RAD, will be back on the start line of the 2019 race hoping for more than an ounce of luck on the journey south after an early exit in 2018.

RAD, a Radford 35 skippered by Brent McKay from the Kettering Yacht Club (KYC), was dismasted in last year’s race and then had a bingle with Justin Barr’s yacht Rumbeat in the recent Tasmanian Yachting Championship, which required a replacement bowsprit and some additional repairs to the boat. McKay credits his son Gus, a skilled shipwright and local rigger, with getting RAD back up and running for this year’s race.

“Gus is the driving force behind RAD’s race preparations. He’s been leading our strategic planning and rebuilding since we lost the rig off Tasman Island last year, and he’s also advised us on changes to the rig and our boat set up,” McKay said.

RAD is another of this year’s race entries that has a family focus on-board and onshore. “Gus has competed in four L2H races, while our other son, Ollie has raced in all RAD’s L2H races, though this year he is sailing in the 75th Sydney to Hobart race on the Farr 40, Night Nurse. My wife Jo and our daughter Hannah provide enthusiastic onshore support, while Will [McKay] is a keen twilight sailor,” McKay said.

Others on the RAD team are Coby and Zac Beecroft, Duncan and Rod Mennitz, and Saul Davidson.

“We should be competitive if the weather is favourable and we can stretch our legs and run,” McKay said.