Matthew Short's Shortwave has entered the 2008 West Coaster - a Judel Vrolijk designed former TP52.

Launched in 2005 under the name Cristabella in the UK, modified for offshore sailing as an IRC52 in the UK before coming to Australia earlier this year. A 4th over the line in 2008 Sydney-Gold Coast race, less than 4 minutes from Line Honours, behind Quantum racing (Cookson 50), Quest (TP52) & Yendys (Reichel Pugh 55).

She is crewed by a large contingent of the Short family headed by Matthew & Christine, with 4 keen sailing daughters Kylie, Nikki, Caitlin & Sarah Short as well as sailmaker Ian and his wife Peta Short.  Kylie's fiancé Matt Smejlis is also on the crew as boat captain.  The CYCA winter series has been used to "tune" this new thoroughbred and with a new wardrobe of Ian's sails, the boat is getting faster in each outing.

If the weather is in her favour the race record should be under threat