Howth's Gordon Maguire will be among the Australian sailors talking about his team's preparations for the Admiral's Cup in a presentation at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney on Thursday.
A Q&A with Sean Langman, Gordon Ketelbey, Shane Guanaria and Maguire will focus on team expectations and what it means to compete in this prestigious international event.
The Australian flag will feature on Zen and Back 2 Black at the Admiral's Cup, taking place from 17 July to 1 August in Cowes, Isle of Wight. This event marks the regatta's return after 22 years.
The Admiral's Cup is often dubbed the unofficial world championship of offshore racing. It includes both offshore and inshore races and will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Rolex Fastnet Race on 26 July.
Howth's Gordon Maguire
Zen and Back 2 Black will compete with 28 other yachts from countries including Germany, the USA, New Zealand, and Italy. Owners and skippers Gordon Ketelbey (Zen) and Sean Langman (Back 2 Black) aim to defend Australia's title, last held by Wild Oats and Aftershock in 2003.
Ketelbey expressed excitement about the competition. “I said, ‘We are available to do the Admiral's Cup,’” he stated. “And here we are, the official Australian entry.”
Guanaria highlighted recent modifications, saying, “Noakes Group has done an amazing job. It’s been a true team effort.” Van der Poel added, "I’m proud to be part of a team that sees me as a team member regardless of gender."
Langman is focused on improvement. “We’re hoping to do very well, rather than just sail the course,” he remarked. Alexander noted, “The Solent is a tough place to go sailing. We’re here to give it our best shot.”
