A decade after his last appearance in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Anthony Bell has unveiled a new Loyal boat to challenge for line honours in this year’s race.
But it’s not a new boat — it’s an old one.
Bell was first to Hobart in 2011 with Investec Loyal and in 2016 with Perpetual Loyal, setting a then-race record in the latter race of one day 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds.
On Tuesday in Sydney, Bell revealed his boat for this year’s edition of the bluewater classic — the race record-holder and last year’s winner, Comanche.
Bell spent up big to buy the five-time line honours-winning boat, which will race on Boxing Day as Tribeca Loyal.
Bell, the owner and skipper of the supermaxi, is aiming to lift the J.H. Illingworth Challenge Cup for a third time.
He has again recruited America’s Cup and Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby to serve as the crew’s sailing master.
The three-time world sailor of the year is delighted to be working on a yacht with the quality and power of Comanche.
“It’s the most powerful supermaxi there is in the world,” Slingsby said in Sydney.
“There’s times there where we actually try to slow the boat down because it’s got so much power and the waves could be too big that you’re flying off the waves too fast.
“It averages really high speeds, it loves it when it’s windy, so it’s an exciting boat. You wouldn’t want to choose any other boats to do the home run on.
“This boat already owns the Sydney Hobart race record, but … if we get the right conditions, we can break that record by a lot.”
Master Lock Comanche took line honours in Hobart last year. (Getty Images: Steve Bell)
Despite his past success with Loyal, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist admits sailing on the open seas is a long way from his comfort zone.
“I’m not an ocean racer,” Slingsby declared.
“I’m more of the short-course stuff.
“It’s not something that I’m good at and really want to do, but I love coming back.”
A major motivation for Slingsby and the crew is the continuing partnership with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, which raises money for life-saving infant medical equipment for Australian hospitals.
The worthy cause is why Loyal will once again take on some celebrity deckhands to boost its fundraising profile.
Former Wallaby turned Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh and Sydney Roosters great Anthony Minichello are among the famous names heading south.
“I certainly don’t miss the contact of playing rugby league, but the camaraderie, and everyone being laser-focused on achieving a goal, that’s the stuff you do miss when you retire from professional sport,” Minichello said.
This year’s star-studded crew continues the tradition for Loyal to rely on some unconventional athletes taking up a new sport.
“We’ve had 21 people who represented Australia, won world surfing titles, gold medals, played for the Wallabies, played rugby league, and we have two TV Week Gold Logie winners as well,” Bell said.
AAP
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