We have taken the core of the team from the 70, but we are now 18 souls strong. Throughout the iterations of Black Jack maxis, a strong consistent and talented team has always been our focus. Sail makers like Skipper Mark Bradford and Vaughan Prentice. Riggers such as Bruce Clarke or naval architect Alex Nolan.
I am thrilled to be part of the Black Jack program in the new 100ft Yacht. After considerable success sailing our previous 66 ft and then 70ft yachts we have now moved up to a competitive 100ft. We can have no excuses now and have nowhere to hide if we don't perform and this is driving us to lift our game even more because it does not come any more competitive than this. Its a great challenge. We are looking forward to it.
Mark's one design background is in One Design, 125's, 420's, 470's, Etchells, Star Class and Farr 40. This interest has seen him compete in 19 World Championships. He also has experience in the Americas Cup working with BMW Oracle from 2003-2007 during this time he competed on the World Match-race tour. Big boat sailing is now his primary focus with this year marking his 11th Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. Mark started sailmaking in 1987 so he has 30 years experience right across all disciplines of the sport.
Attended 6 Sydney to Hobart Races and had 4 Americas Cup wins.
In his role as navigator Tom is the man the team turn to when we need to know where to be, when. Tom is a meteorologist of the highest order and his understanding of that dark art is second to none. He’s also regularly seen backing up everyone from the bowmen to the runner men. A must have on any crew!
I work full time on Black Jack preparing the yacht to go sailing, organising logistics, and managing improvements and modifications. I have been with Black Jack for nearly 5 years since Peter bought the Volvo 70. Before then I was Shore Boat Captain for two Volvo Ocean Races with Telefonica.
Boat Builder by trade ⛵. Traveled 50,000+ miles on various Maxis. Attended three Sydney to Hobarts.
This will be Matt's 3rd Sydney to Hobart campaign. In 2017 he competed in; World Matchracing Tour, Moths, Etchells among others.
34 Year-old Brisbane based Yacht Rigger. Been a member of Blackjack Yachting for 7 years. 5 Sydney to Hobarts, 4 of these racing with Blackjack. Proud Queenslander - Looking forward to 26th of Dec and the race south to Hobart!
Sailed with the Blackjack Yachting since 2008. Started 25 Sydney to Hobarts races. 4 Line Honours Victories (hopefully make it 5 this year). 2 Handicap Victories.
Simon is an Olympic and America's Cup yachtsman from Auckland, New Zealand. He's is sailing in his 6th Hobart race.
From New Zealand. Beginning with 1983’s Victory Americas Cup Challenge, Phipps has participated in eight Cup campaigns. And in doing so has gone on to Win 4 Americas Cups, this lead him to being inducted into the Americas Cup Hall of Fame in 2010. He is a storied offshore racer, with two Round the World races to his name, his first being with the successful Steinlager 2 in 1989. He has also done numerous Rolex Sydney to Hobart, Rolex Fastnet, Newport to Bermuda and Trans Atlantic Races. And is looking forward to sailing with the “Black Jack Racing Team”
I’ve been sailing from the age of 7yrs and fortunately made a life from yachting. A few events being a highlight include: Olympics; Finn Class, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, China 2008. America’s Cup; ITA +39 Challenge 07-07, GBR Team Origin 08-10, ESP Greencom 10, SWE Artemis 13-17. Volvo Ocean Races; 2002/3 Djuice Dragons, 2012/13 Abu Dhabi. Most importantly the ‘Great Race’ / Hobart Race & Blackjack!! This will be my 19th Hobart having sailed with the Blackjack team since 2008.
Design transmission powerlines in the south east Queensland area. Electrician by trade. Other interests: exercising - gym, cycling.
Sailmaker for 31 years, Currently North Sails Brisbane. Looking forward to my 9th Sydney to Hobart. Proud Black Jack crew member since 2008
A competitive amateur sailor since 1970 and privileged to be part of the Blackjack Team since 2009. When not sailing on Blackjack, enjoys the challenges of competing successfully in the Etchells one-design class.
37 years old. Born in New Zealander. Attended 12 Sydney - Hobarts. Enjoy's some good Aussie/Kiwi Banter. Looking forward to having another crack at the Win and Record.
As the big dopey guy onboard I get the wonderful project of ensuring we are ready downstairs to go with whatever sail is required at the time. When I'm not working on looking good, I do whatever I can to support the legendary crew we have onboard. When I'm not sailing I work in the construction industry *yawn* ? providing facade expertise within major projects.
Competing in his 14th Hobart Flanno is one of the oldest on board but obviously not that smart as he’s still on the bow.
