Bradford has been training in Brisbane's Waterloo Bay in preperation for Perth
Queensland’s own North Sails Manager Mark Bradford has changed his sailing pace, stepping across from his regular offshore racing to be part of a campaign in the oldest class at the Olympic Games today.
Bradford started sailing in Brisbane in the early 80’s in the International 420 before campaigning for the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics in the 470 class. He will team up with 1998 Star World Champion and Atlanta bronze medallist David Giles. Giles Teamed up with Colin Beashel, and raced together at the top of the world rankings in the star class.
Bradford is the regular helm for Peter Harburg’s Reichel Pugh 66 Black Jack at most of Australia’s up and coming offshore events, Bradford has also had success on the America’s Cup circuit where he was selected for the BMW Oracle team in 2004 and then married this with a round of Americas Cup class yachts in San Francisco, Newport Rhode Island, Malmo Sweden and Trapani Sicily over the coming years.
The new challenge now is the historic Star class which has led the way in advancing the sport of competitive sailing, and has been honoured by sailing in the Olympic Games since 1932. “The biggest challenge will just be getting my head around the boat, I’ve done a fair amount of coaching but it’s always different when you step into the boat” Bradford said. Teaming up with Giles has been an enormous boost for Bradford, having such experience at the front of the boat is essential in any combination. “Its cutting a large corner teaming up with Giles, his experience is priceless”.
Designed in 1911 by Francis Sweisguth, the Star has proven to be a classic in every sense. It is the oldest Olympic class, having first been used in competition in 1932, and still at the heart of Olympic sailing today. This years world championships will be sailed in Perth and is a great motivation for the new team. “Its something I’ve always wanted to do, and the world championships are here in Australia, It’s a one time thing, it only happens once” Bradford added.
Along with a Lillia boat from Italy the team will be using North Sails Brisbane’s designs. “We are excited here at North Sails, we have been making Star sails for the Irish Star teams for a while now and we will be using the same designs and its proven fast” said Bradford.
They now have close to two months preparation before they head to Perth and test their skills against some of the best sailors in the world. A challenge that both Bradford and Giles are prepared for.
Andrew Gough
Yachting Queensland