Sail Trading

Prior to Christmas Hobart eye surgeon, Dr Paul McCartney, (SVC 1973-77)  purchased the Cookson-50 Oskana from fellow OV, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mike Pritchard (SVC 1987-92).  Paul has done a lot of sailing over the decades but it has been harbour racing and off-shore and coastal cruising.  His aim is to conquer the Sydney Hobart race. ( In 2018 Paul was part of a three man crew that finished second overall and winner of the Corinthian trophy at the SB20 Sportsboat European Championship in Ireland – refer June 2018 edition of OVAtion on the website).

In the recent Sydney - Hobart Paul chose to be part of the crew skippered by Michael but luck was not with them as Oskana was one of 25 boats forced to retire in the first turbulent 24 hours of the race.

Within minutes of being forced to retire due to a damaged forestay, Oskana was asked by race officials to render assistance to the NSW 52-footer Denali, which had sustained a cracked hull and there was a danger that it might break in half.  The Oskana was able to locate the Denali and accompany it to Port Kembla.