Sailing on Salt
Solaris 50
I’ve recently had the opportunity to sail aboard Salt, a 2021 Solaris 50, under the guidance of James Marshall, the boat manager, and Ian Fankhanel, the owner. Both are central to how the boat runs: James keeps the crew organised, ensures everyone is in position, and calls the boat’s rhythm, while Ian shares the helming responsibilities and helps steer the team through manoeuvres. My role on board is as bow person, handling sail changes, lines, and positioning during manoeuvres — a position that’s especially critical given the boat’s high-performance sail inventory.
Our main event this season was Festival of Sails 2026, where Salt competed in the Passage Spinnaker Series, Division 1. The crew includes experts in key roles — particularly the tactician and navigator — whose decisions were critical in securing the overall victory, finishing ahead of our nearest rival by 12 points. I also had the opportunity to work closely with Peter Dowdney, whose extensive knowledge and experience proved invaluable throughout the event. While those key positions guide the strategy, every role on board contributes to operating the top-down furling asymmetrical spinnaker, symmetrical 1.5 spinnaker, Code 0, and staysail efficiently.
I also got a chance to work with Aaron Cole from North Sails, who provided insight on the new sails and their handling. His involvement, offered a useful perspective on performance trimming and sail management.
Overall, sailing on Salt has been an insightful and enjoyable experience. It’s a chance to work as part of a highly organised crew, see a modern performance yacht in action, and contribute in a key on-deck role during competitive sailing.
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Blogs
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.
Unprecedented
Sailing out of Safety Beach on this modern Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 was a shift in perspective. Lighter and more responsive than most cruiser-racers, the boat is purpose-built for efficiency. Managing the running backstays and highly loaded rig highlighted the technical precision needed to keep such a performance-focused platform moving at its best.
Airlie Beach Race Week 2024
The Whitsundays definitely showed their teeth during the 2024 regatta. Working the bow on a Hanse 430E, I spent the week wrestling with 30-knot gusts and complex island tides. It was all about staying one step ahead of the next sail change while navigating the narrow, choppy channels that define racing in this part of the world.
Hot Chipps
Club racing on Port Phillip Bay provided the perfect introduction to the Dehler 46 platform. Spending time on this versatile yacht was great preparation for a later coastal delivery, offering hands-on experience with its systems and deck layout. Assisting with a new mainsail setup also gave me a more technical look at the boat’s performance beyond just pulling ropes during a race.
Arcadia
Sailing on this Archambault 40RC across club and ORCV races has been a masterclass in team efficiency. PJ and the crew operate with a calm, quiet precision that makes even complex sail changes look routine. It’s a great environment to observe how a cohesive team relies on clear roles and consistent repetition rather than noise to maintain performance under pressure.
It’s not just sailing
Racing the Dufour 40 near the Yarra River mouth keeps us on our toes. Beyond the technical challenges of Port Phillip Bay, sailing with Peter’s team highlights the social side of the sport. Post-race drinks in the galley are as vital as the racing, cementing the camaraderie that makes club sailing worthwhile.