WA skipper gets bird’s eye view of race restart - Media

WA skipper gets bird’s eye view of race restart

31 December 2007

On the eve of the Clipper 07-08 Race re-start, Western Australia 2011.com skipper Martin Silk got a rather unusual view of the new years day race course

Thanks to the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, Martin swapped his usual position behind the helm of one of Clipper’s ten 68’ racing yacht, for the front seat of Royal Aero Club’s Tiger Moth, based at Jandekot Airport.

After some confidence building straight and level flying along Western Australia’s stunning coastline, Martin’s world was turned upside down as pilot Trevor Jones put the 1930’s bi-plane through a series of aerobatic manoeuvres, which included looping the loop.

Down below, Martin’s crew – which includes 13 Australian sailors in the international race - cheered him on as the Clipper fleet opened their doors to visitors at the Fremantle Sailing Club.  Yesterday saw Martin at the top of the 85-foot high mast completing some final rig checks. Today he was able to get a brief final glimpse of his work from 500-feet, as the Tiger Moth flew by, upside down, at 80 knots.

The Royal Aero Club Sky show will be a feature prior to the Clipper Race start and it will give the Clipper team the opportunity to present Trevor Jones with a limited edition race crew shirt as a thank you for his aviating prowess.

On landing, Martin’s enthusiastic first words were “how much are flying lessons?”

The Clipper 07-08 Race is scheduled to restart on 1 January 2008 at 14:00 with the action kicking off at midday.  The public is invited down to see what promises to be an exciting event with close quarter racing in Fremantle’s Inner Harbour and along Perth’s city beaches.

ENDS

For the latest positions, news, videos and podcasts and for more information about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race visit http://www.clipperoundtheworld.com

High resolution images are available free for editorial use by registering at the Clipper 07-08 Image Gallery: http://www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0708_race/

Photo caption: westernaustralia2011.com skipper Martin Silk with pilot Trevor Jones in the Tiger Moth

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