Long time RPAYC member and successful professional sailor Stephen McConaghy has a busy sailing season ahead with plans to compete in various regattas both at home and abroad.
Stephen will be heading over for the Raja Muda mid-November and then Kings Cup, both on Aftershock and you can join him!
Read on to learn more about Stephen, his Asian Regatta Campaigns and sailing Aftershock:
“I have sailed Aftershock in Pittwater since 2001, in Wednesday/Thursday twilight races. Against its sister ship Another Duchess against the Oatley’s and of course Rico! It was full on, so competitive, like competing for sheep stations! It was a fierce rivalry. Both boats were crewed by the best people from the local area.
It was so good, the best racing on the best boats of their time. So light, so fast, so exhilarating.
The Davidson 59’s were built for flat water, day sailing and when I started sailing in Asia in 2004, I always said these boats would be perfect for up there. Asia is predominantly flat water with light to moderate winds, perfect really! Especially after we did the mods to the keel and added the square top mainsail.
Combined with tropical conditions it’s like sailing in the Whitsundays but for 1/5 of the price! I’ve sailed many top end 40/50 footers in Asia, specifically to win, with highly skilled teams.
I saw an opening for Aftershock, if I purchased it with a syndicate and sailed it up there, put it on a mooring in Phuket, I could offset the costs of running it with people chipping in, in return for getting a taste for sailing in Asia. Sailing on a big, competitive race boat in an exotic location is not always an option for the average sailor but this set up makes it more accessible.
Aftershock is a relatively easy boat to sail. Competitive again the older TP52s but far less complex. Enabling a far less skill level required as long as the important positions are covered.
The venues we sail at are spectacular. Tropical islands, white sandy beaches with palm trees. Tasty food at amazing restaurants, markets and resorts, cheap beer at the bars, cocktails by the pool, friendly locals, what more can you ask for?
Having a few cold refreshments and listening to your favourite tunes through the best deck sound system on your way back to shore after a fantastic days sailing, is simply the best!! Pumps you up for another great afternoon/night of festivities.”
Other RPAYC members who have taken up the challenge and enjoyed racing with Stephen include past RPAYC Commodore Michael Lochley and Russell Murphy.
You can join Steve at the next regatta in Malaysia, the Raja Muda. Time is limited for the next campaign so reach out to Stephen today via the Aftershock Facebook page @Aftershock Asia.