The Sydney Hobart will be the first opportunity for Louise Racing, sponsored by Glenfiddich, to put the boat through her paces on the racing circuit. Since her launch in June 2013 Louise has sailed over 20,000 miles, successfully rounding Cape Horn in February on passage to the South Pacific. This new Berret-Racoupeau 72-foot custom designed yacht was built in Holland by Claasen Shipyards. Skipper Grant Gordon successfully campaigned the Swan 45 Fever for over a decade.
His offshore record includes class first and best Swan in the Fastnet (2003) and top-ten result in the Middle Sea Race (2009). Louise Racing will be sailing under the RORC burgee with seasoned offshore club members on board, including Commodore Michael Greville. The afterguard includes team tactician Dan Slater, navigator Ed Smyth with other crew positions are filled by talented local sailors.
