For Cyrus Allen, owner of the Beneteau First 50 ‘White Spirit’, there’s a personal connection to Japan having lived and worked there.
For co – skipper Lillian Stewart the race offered an equally compelling draw. Deep into her PhD research on marine and plastic pollution in ocean ecosystems, the ocean is both her office and sanctuary. Being isolated, remote, and at one with the open sea feels natural.
Cyrus is currently the ORCV Commodore and Lillian the lead for the ORCV Sustainability programs. Lillian hopes to use this race as an opportunity to sample and promote clean oceans.
White Spirit, a racer cruiser has undergone major refits to suit the race with every addition and adjustment has been made with care and precision, with each part of the boat reviewed to understand its function and how it works.
“The most challenging part of the whole campaign has been cramming all the learning and proficiencies into 12-ish months. For example, oceanic navigation using new tools, understanding major weather and current systems, knowing the boat’s components in greater detail to be truly self-reliant should anything go wrong.
As the race draws closer, Cyrus and Lillian are building up their experience with several key races, including the Melbourne to Devonport and the Melbourne to Hobart.