ODYSSEY V
| Design | Young 12 |
| Sail Number | 8296 |
| Length overall | 12.2m |
| Length waterline | 11.9m |
| Beam | 4.2m |
| Draft | 2.1m |
| About the boat: | Odyssey V is a Young 12, designed by Jim Young that was launched in 1992. In the 2020 RNI Odyssey will be skippered by Garry Coleman and Nigel Sibun. Garry purchased Odyssey V two years ago and has been slowly converting her from a true cruiser into a racer, which has included the addition of some new sails and removal of some excess weight. That said she is still very much a traditional Young 12 with no fancy keel, square-top main or carbon spars, but holding onto her cruising beginnings she has a great expresso machine that could be a game changer for Garry and Nigel whose combined age is 138… Given the right conditions these gents could be a dark horse to watch out for! |
| Home base | Gulf Harbour |
GARRY COLEMAN
| Name | Garry Coleman |
| Age | 68 |
| Relationship to Co – Skipper | Aged friend |
| Yacht Club | SSANZ, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. |
| Tell us a little about your sailing history/ background | Had sailing parents, so started out sailing P class at age 8 in Wellington. Moved up through centreboard classes, designing and building 4 Moths and 3 Javelins. Won 2 South Pacific and 4 National titles in Javelins, then moved into 18 footers in the early 1980’s, wining the Nationals and top NZ boat at two worlds. Sailed a couple of Wellington – Gisborne races and competed in the Kenwood Cup in Hawaii. My 30’s and 40’s were more dominated with family and business. 50’s sailing was more rum racing, but side-tracked by competing in multi-sport events: completing 3 Coast – Coasts and several mountain marathons and ultra marathons. So at about 65, time to get back into sailing, buying my first keelboat as a “retirement project”. Haven’t seen the retirement yet, but enjoying getting the boat into more race mode. |
| What appeals most about doing the RNI | Another bucket list item to tick off. |
| What are your essential food items during the race? | Coffee and bumper bars. |
| What will your meals be like during the race? | We are in the cruising division, and our meals will hopefully match that. My wife (hopefully) will produce some of her gourmet meals that can be frozen and reheated. |
| What’s your favourite point of sail and why? | Eased sheets – easy and pleasant sailing. |
| What do you like most about the boat you are sailing on? | She responds very well to sail adjustment – part of the small boat legacy. |
| Describe your skipper/co-skipper in 5 words | Untidy, disorganised, forgetful, good friend. |
| Tell us about the training and buildup that you have been doing for this race both on and off the water? | Trying to get as much time on the water as possible. My currently infrequent gym sessions concentrating more on core and upper body. |
| What’s your favourite drink and why? | Sav blanc, Pinot Noir, Rum …………… |
| Will you be taking any luxury items on the race? – If so, what is it and why? | Espresso Coffee. |
| What’s your biggest fear when you think about the RNI? | MOB. |
| Who’s your biggest opposition and why? | Everyone – the field is pretty hot. |
| Tell us about your biggest supporters | My wife Kristine. |
| What’s most exciting/challenging about this race for you? | It’s into the unknown. With a combined crew age of 138, our stamina and strength will not be that of the younger crews, so we will have to pace ourselves. |
| What sound system do you have on board? What’s likely to be playing? | A CD player that is not currently working – another item to be replaced. |
| It’s the night before the big race – how do you get your head in the game? | Lots of sleep and not too much wine. |
NIGEL SIBUN
| Name | Nigel Sibun |
| Age | 70 |
| Relationship to Co – Skipper | Long time sailing friends. |
| Yacht Club | Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Wattle Radio Control Yacht Club. |
| Tell us a little about your sailing history/ background | Started in P class, Joiner Cherubs, Javelins, Flying Dutchman, Lasers, 18 Footers, Noelex 25, little bit on One Tonners. Lately l have been sailing 1 meter radio controlled boats which has been most enjoyable, never stop learning. Probably learned more about sailing, yacht rules and tuning via model yachts. I have been very lucky to have sailed with some top sailors and have won a few Nationals with them. |
| What appeals most about doing the RNI | Challenge. |
| What are your essential food items during the race? | Aeroplane Lollies. |
| What will your meals be like during the race? | Military Rations with aeroplanes lollies for dessert. |
| What’s your favourite point of sail and why? | Reaching in waves. |
| What do you like most about the boat you are sailing on? | Fast on a reach and down wind. |
| Describe your skipper/co-skipper in 5 words | Tolerant and a very good sailor. (Tolerance been most important.) |
| Tell us about the training and buildup that you have been doing for this race both on and off the water? | Gym, Aqua fit. lots of sailing. Study of the course. |
| What’s your favourite drink and why? | Water, tea, beer and few rums. You start the day with a nice tea, beers late in the day, finish off with the rum & snacks |
| Will you be taking any luxury items on the race? – If so, what is it and why? | Bean Bags for comfort. |
| What’s your biggest fear when you think about the RNI? | Not getting around the Island. |
| Who’s your biggest opposition and why? | Weather and ourselves. |
| Tell us about your biggest supporters | A few friends. |
| What’s most exciting/challenging about this race for you? | I have never sailed long distance before. |
| What sound system do you have on board? What’s likely to be playing? | Rock n Roll, Jazz, 1 speaker and a phone. |
| It’s the night before the big race – how do you get your head in the game? | Just rest and take things as they come all is all ready done. |