Runaway was constructed by Jon Sayer particularly for the 2003 Melbourne to Osaka Double-Handed Yacht Race in which she competed as Team FGI. The yacht won its division easily that year was and placed third in line honours. Upon returning to Australia Runaway was purchased by James Ryssenbeek and Andrew McCole who specifically bought her to campaign for the following Melbourne Osaka event in 2007. Their campaign was unfortunately unsuccessful in the race itself after sustaining keel damage off the East Australian Coast.
Runaway received a complete makeover after this including a new keel and rudder with a view towards the 2013 race. This never eventuated and the yacht was placed back on the market. Runaway was then purchased by Drew Carruthers who has an extensive background in ocean racing and fully crewed, she’s done well in many races since then. Due to the decision to construct a catamaran, Drew placed Runaway on the market and has recently been purchased by the current owner Daniel Turner with the 2018 Melbourne to Osaka race specifically in mind.
Daniel grew up in Port Lincoln, South Australia and has been involved with sailing since a young age due to his family. Despite being a relative newcomer blue-water sailing, he believes Runaway will suit his skills developed from many years of dinghy racing. Daniel’s resilient personality along with his time in the Australian Army as a Combat Engineer and Combat Fitness Leader has instilled a determination to succeed.
Co-skipper Tom Crabb brings a wealth of experience to the team. After developing a love for the sport and sailing in general, Tom began a shipwright apprenticeship as well as being involved with many yacht deliveries. Aside from clocking up over 20,000nm delivery miles plus 15,000nm short-handed miles, Tom has competed in many offshore events including Sydney to Hobarts, Sydney to Southports, Sydney to Mooloolaba, Melbourne to King Island, Melbourne to Hobart, Okinawa to Gamagori, Kobe to Yokohama and the 2007 Melbourne to Osaka Yacht race which he competed on his Adams 11.9.
Although only knowing each other for a small period of time, Daniel and Tom’s personalities have clicked and the pair have quickly become good friends. After discussing the idea in detail as well as spending time together at sea for a portion of Runaway’s recent delivery back to South Australia, the guys are both confident of a successful campaign in the 2018 Osaka race.
