53rd Geraldton Ocean Classic
Crush Sets New Geraldton Race Record as King Canute Stars in Division Two
A new record has been set in the Geraldton Ocean Classic, with David Davenport’s TP52 Crush claiming line honours in an impressive 16 hours, 24 minutes, eclipsing the previous race record of 17 hours, 11 minutes and 22 seconds set by Craig Carter’s India in 2015.
Despite a light and drifting start, the fleet quickly made the most of improving conditions. Anthony Kirke’s Enterprise NG crossed second and came close to the previous record with a time of 17 hours, 32 minutes, while also securing first place on handicap.
But beyond the record-breaking performance at the front of the fleet, one of the most memorable stories belonged to a much smaller yacht.
The Little Boat That Could
Matt Rose’s SS27 King Canute once again proved that determination and seamanship remain at the heart of offshore racing. A familiar sight on the Swan River, Rose has spent years campaigning the modest SS27 and regularly taking her offshore to represent South of Perth Yacht Club in Division Two events.
This year’s race carried extra significance, marking the 50th anniversary of the original SS27 Touché winning the PHS division in 1973. Built and owned by Kim Swarbrick, Touché became part of Geraldton Ocean Classic history, and Swarbrick was invited aboard King Canute this year to help navigate the voyage north.
The SS27 class has a proud offshore pedigree. Tony Edman’s Trail Blazer famously won the Geraldton Lobster Pot Series in 1993, while today’s fleet is increasingly dominated by modern planing and skiff-inspired designs capable of remarkable speeds.
Yet while technology and speed continue to reshape offshore racing, King Canute and fellow displacement yacht Sagacious IV reminded everyone that traditional yacht design still has a place. Both boats took the direct route north, staying close to the rhumb line and showcasing classic offshore sailing skills.
Volunteers and Support Crews Behind the Scenes
The event’s success was also made possible by the dedicated volunteers, race officials, and administrative teams who invested countless hours to ensure a safe and successful race. While modern tracking and communications systems have transformed offshore race management, the commitment of the people behind the scenes remains as important as ever.
And in a fitting finale to this year’s race, the smallest boat in the fleet, King Canute, has provisionally won Division Two.
A remarkable achievement and proof once again that in offshore racing, determination can still triumph over size and speed. Well done to the little boat that could.