THE 75TH EDITION BRISBANE TO GLADSTONE YACHT RACE
Highly competitive pocket rocket yacht Azzurro is now under Queensland ownership and set to contest the Gladstone Ports Corporation 75th edition Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race (B2G) which sets sail on Good Friday (7th April 2023).
Azzurro’s new owner is Jack Kliner who swiftly made a deal to buy the boat from former owner and legendary Australian sailor, Shane Kearns on Constitution Dock at the conclusion of the 2022 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
The much-loved Sparkman and Stephens 34 (S&S 34) yacht, often touted the darling of Australian offshore racing, and according to the yacht’s website is “the little boat that could,” has had a rich racing pedigree closely followed and admired by Jack.
“Shane Kearns is a legend of sailing in Australia and a huge character within our sport but I have been following his campaign and kept in touch with him over the last few years. I am an ongoing admirer of his inspirational story of determination and dedication to prove how good this boat really is, so I have big shoes to fill,” Jack said.
“I had everything crossed that Shane would win the 2022 Sydney to Hobart overall with Azzurro and I wasn’t expecting him to sell the boat until he achieved that goal, but personal reasons forced an earlier sale so when I caught wind of it, I nabbed him dockside in Hobart to strike a deal and the rest is history,” he said.
“Shane’s restoration of Azzurro was immaculate with her rich blue hull, sparkling white deck and faultless stainless-steel fittings and even a carbon fibre toilet, the boat is a sight to behold and a proven contender in offshore racing in Australia. Better still, Azzurro was meticulously prepared for the recent Sydney to Hobart and comes with a very extensive sail wardrobe so other than a lick of antifoul, we are bursting at the seams to set sail in the 75th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.”
Jack, who is a member of Queensland Cruising Yacht Club (QCYC), personally sailed Azzurro up to his home base in Newport from Sydney using the delivery miles to acquaint himself and the crew with his new acquisition.
