The Yachts

Balance

Balance

 

Finished sixth overall in last year’s race, second in Division 1 and fourth overall in ORCi. There was little and fluky wind at the start, prompting Clitheroe, who had purchased the former Quest, to quip: “Must buy a new boat more often. After much drifting between the Heads and enjoying watching sunbaking seals and penguins, Balance is arguably the first boat to Manly.” The CYCA Director will not be aboard for this race. He turns 60 in July, so will enjoy a golf holiday abroad with fellow 60th birthday mates. Instead, will be skippered by Mike ‘Greeny’ Green. The crew will face rivals including five other TP52s and two canting Cookson 50’s. The ‘Money Man’ has promised to keep an eye on his boat in the race and make his feelings known.

Under former owner Bob Steel, this boat was runner-up in the 2008 Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and won the 2008 Rolex Sydney Hobart, among other victories. Clitheroe has kept the boat’s reputation intact: winning the Southern Cross Cup two team members in December. Also won the Cabbage Tree Island Race to finish second in the 2014 Blue Water Pointscore after leading, but the Hobart race robbed him of victory as it favoured the smaller yachts, though Clitheroe took comfort from being the best placed TP52.  

 

Competitor Details

Yacht Name Balance
Sail Number 7771
Owner Paul Clitheroe
Skipper Adam Brown
Navigator Nick Scott-Perry
Crew C Evans, M de Montgolfier, R Cox, A Cribb, P Hardy, D Keddie, T Brewer, D Taylor, J Dock, M Craig, M Green, M O'Brien
State NSW
Club CYCA
Type Farr Tp 52
Designer Farr Yacht Design
Builder Geotz
Construction Carbon
LOA 15.85
Beam 4.3
Draft 3.2