Jones's crew keen for victory

SAILING: Rod Jones's crew has a long list of achievements, but there is one race they are yet to conquer.

Rod Jones is hoping for stiff breezes when he sails in the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race. Picture: JOHN MCCUTCHEON

SAILING: Rod Jones’s crew has a long list of achievements, but there is one race they are yet to conquer.

Buderim’s Jones is hoping to skipper Alegria to victory in this weekend’s Brisbane to Gladstone classic.

His crew has won the Australian IRC Offshore Championship twice, as well as the Queensland championship in their class.

They have tasted success at Hamilton Island and Geelong, but the Brisbane-Gladstone trophy is one that has eluded them for many years.

Jones, 50, said conditions in the post-Easter period were generally tough to handle in his boat.

“It’s difficult because of the weather,” he said.

“Around this time of year they’re not ideal conditions for fast boats like ours.

“Normally there are moderate to strong south-easterly winds and the race is very quick and suits fast boats, but with Easter being so late this year the weather is even more unstable.

“We’ve got a very light and fast boat but the forecast is for soft winds, which will probably suit more traditional boats.”

The Sunshine Coast contingent in Jones’s boat consists of Buderim’s Greg McAllansmith, Coolum’s Rodney Young, Noosa’s Chris Annear and Maroochydore’s Bucky Smith, who is a former world etchells champion.

The crew’s best finish at the event was third in 2008, but Jones said they had the talent to beat that with a bit of luck.

“It will be harder for us than a traditional Gladstone race, but we’ve got a good boat and team,” he said.

Mooloolaba Yacht Club has six boats entered in the race and a number of club members will take part.

Other Sunshine Coast competitors include Rob Robertson, in Cracklin Rosie, and David Turton’s Likatiger will be in the mix.

Turton said: “We have just spent some time getting the boat ready, as we really haven’t raced her for a while.

“We did the 90-mile Wolf Rock Race in February. That was a light-air race and a work-up for the Gladstone and we won it.

“We have also been doing some research while we have been out fishing, checking out the current and tides both inshore and offshore, and catching a few fish as well.

“I just hope it stops raining.”

The fleet of 45 yachts heads off on Friday at 1pm.

Jones says he expects to reach Gladstone within 30-35 hours.

Originally published as Jones's crew keen for victory