Roper flies flag for Tassie female skippers

AS one of nine female skippers in the 75th Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race starting next week — and the only one from Tassie— Laura Roper says the preparation can be more gruelling than the race. The 30-year-old nurse from Hobart left yesterday with her crew aboard Natelle Two bound for Sydney and the world’s premier blue water classic.

Competing in the milestone race was a year in the making.

It will be Laura’s second Hobart race. “There’s a lot to do before you get to the starting line,” Laura said. She did it in 2011, also as skipper of the family yacht, owned by her father Glenn, 72, who is also in the crew with son Ashley.

“It’s nice to have the family aspect — it’s a bonding experience, isn’t it dad,” Laura said. “There’s nothing like sharing 40ft of boat in close quarters with family.

“I ticked a box in 2011. Dad did put me in command this time — last time we went I put myself in command.”