Melbourne to Osaka (M2O from 05/04/13)

Dozen.

There are now a dozen EOIs for the 2013 M2O, which is just great. No entry got me interested, as Runaway, however, because it was when Andrew McCole and James Ryssenbeek saw that He of the Countdown Timer and Greg Rayner had put theirs in, that they decided they must go and get an EOI in themselves - and quickly at that!!!

Now these guys know a little about short-handed racing. You see, they did the 2006 M2V, as above in the © Andrea Francolini pic and then the 2007 M2O in the © Teri Doods pic below.

Aerial image from the start of the 2007 M2O.

"Look! It's the new keel."

Runaway is a Sayer 11M, was the eleventh EOI and she is a carbon fibre and water ballasted, purpose-built M2O boat, which was third over the line in the 2003 M2O and is still the Open Racer Class C record holder for the event. The boys purchased the boat in 2005 and mounted a two year campaign for the 2007 M2O race. During that campaign, they finished fifth in the 2005 M2HW and fifth in the inaugural 2006 M2O, in which they were second in the two-handed division.

During the 2007 M2O they were in third place on day eight when they suffered a critical keel failure. Andrew says, "After a 40-hour survival mission, where we motored 230nm ashore to Bundaberg in Queensland, we were forced to retire from the race. The survival story is an achievement against the odds and is a testament to both the seaworthiness and stability of the boat." No doubt a fair old dollop of seamanship was part of that too. Since then, the boat has had a new keel and rudder built and a full re-paint of the hull. "With the 2013 M2O now up and running, we are set to finish what we wanted to achieve in 2005", said Andrew.

Runaway is moored at RBYC in Melbourne and is currently on the market. James and Andrew are looking to upsize for the 2013 event, but are planning on racing Runaway if she doesn’t sell. This boat would be perfect for any competitor looking to achieve great results in a fast, lightweight and extremely stable yacht. She is in great condition, is Category Zero compliant and is ready to race. Ring Andrew on 0403 578 764 to put your purchase order in.

So back to EOIs then and number 10 was TBA 4 - Geoff Tomlins from RQYS, whereas 11 and 12 are a bit closer to the starting point. Number 12 is Tony Fowler from RGYC with the new Ocean Skins, which is a Sydney 39CR..

Tony Fowler and crew of the Rodgers46 Ocean Skins that won the 2009 M2HE - seen here sliding up the Derwent wonderfully.

You betcha - more to come.

Go HERE to register your interest in this sensational race.

Go HERE to see who has already expressed their desire to participate.

© John Curnow, ORCV Media

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