losing 10 percent of their body weight, then the interviews, flowers, and champagne soaking in front of the sponsors board. Lots of laughs, food, beers, bubbly, debriefing, and talk of repairs. Sleep finally came about 6 am, to be woken three hours later for a day of customs, immigration, quarantine, and then back to Melbourne House for their ‘Welcome Dinner’ at 5 pm.
Morning Star at the finish.
Since Jo arrived she has been there to support each boat and its crew upon their arrival. Jo Breen epitomizes what this sport is all about.
* Shellback - a sailor who has crossed the equator. ** Pollywog - a sailor who has not crossed the equator. ***In Australia “Huey” has been used by mariners and surfers as a fictional God of Wind and Waves.
UPDATE: Jo has been accepted as part of the Ave Gitana (40ft Trimaran) all female team supported by The Magenta Project for the New Caledonia Groupama Race starting June 17th. A mere 654 nm around Noumea will seem like an afternoon sail to her now. Jo’s precious Morning Star will be delivered with loving care to New Caledonia by Papa Jo and Australian record holding circumnavigator Ken Gourlay. Below: Jo Breen and Peter Brookes.
GEORGIE MITCHELL is a proud Hobbo’s girl - Hobsons Bay Yacht Club, Williamstown, Victoria. She has owned Mary Bryant a Spacesailor 24 for 12 years. She has performed many deliveries with about 12,000 ocean miles under her belt. She also owns Seascape, a Savage Oceanic 42 with her partner and plans to sail off into sunset in the next couple of years. SisterShip 78