With thanks to JUNGLE Jason Swifte Major Tom Media for their production of this video interview with the J/133 Patriot crew from Sandringham Yacht Club. Jason Close entered Patriot in the 2018 Sydney Hobart race but unfortunately had to retire after striking an object and breaking the rudder. Determined to see the finish line on the 75th race in 2019, Jason got the crew back together and Patriot finished 1st ORCi Div 4 and 1st ORC Div 5 and 9th overall. A remarkable achievement for the crew and an outstanding performance for J/133 Patriot.
Launched in 2003 and originally owned and raced in the USA, Patriot was the second US built J/133 to be imported into Australia. Her only other Rolex Sydney Hobart was 2010, when owned by Queenslander Tony Love. The pair finished 25th overall for second in Division 3. Otherwise, Patriot has been lightly raced, used more for cruising.
Crew: Jason Close Skipper/Helm, Greg Coutts Helm/Tactics, Lex O’Conner Navigator, Stuart Shafer Helm/Main trim, Brett Averey Helm/Navigation, Marissa Chalkley Trim/First aid, Pete Chalkley Trim, Andy McGrath Mast, Stuart Moseley Trim, Jordan Sunkel- Lozell Bow, Cath Furey Trim/Office, Graeme Smith Main Trim.
