Please select your home edition
Edition
Ocean Safety 2023 - New Identity - LEADERBOARD

Azzurro Sydney Hobart Yacht Race crew sets sail to raise awareness for Stroke Foundation

by Azzurro Yacht Racing 24 Nov 2023 21:40 UTC
Azzurro Sydney Hobart Yacht Race crew © Azzurro Yacht Racing

The crew of the Azzurro yacht is embarking on a journey beyond the open seas as they set sail in the prestigious Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

However, their mission extends beyond the pursuit of victory on the water; the crew is dedicated to promoting awareness for the Stroke Foundation and making waves in the fight against stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death globally, affecting millions of lives each year. The Azzurro crew is sailing this year to help promote the importance of raising awareness about this critical health issue, and they have chosen the grand stage of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to amplify their message.

The youthful star crew, composed of owner/skipper Jack Kliner, Jessica Watson OAM, Xavier Doerr, Sam Duncan, Annie Eastgate and Steve Quiros share over 50,000 offshore miles, forming an impressive team despite their youthful presence. The crew is looking forward to competing in a boat with a rich history and the ability to win - Azzurro is an impressive IOR-era S&S 34 that has almost tasted victory in the RSHYR several times with previous owner Shane Kearns. Much in the fashion of the boat's previous owner, the Azzurro crew has kept the boat in immaculate condition, making key upgrades to remain competitive with newer generation yachts during a refit period at Gold Coast City Marina thanks to the campaign's incredibly supportive sponsors. The Azzurro crew is hoping to build upon their result of first ORC and 3rd IRC overall in the Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race.

The Azzurro crew is supported by sponsors Netflix, Zhik, Alana Maria, Gold Coast City Marina, Dimension Polyant, Wrap It Marine, Hobart Whisky, Marine Medical Solutions, Club Marine and Southern Seas Marine, enabling the team to tackle the Hobart with a boat ready to take on a talented fleet.

Stroke attacks the brain, the human control center, changing lives in an instant. It can happen to anyone, at any age and affects everyone differently. Few people will think about stroke until it touches their life. It's estimated more than 27,400 people will have a stroke in Australia for the first time in 2022, equating to one stroke every nineteen minutes. Today, there are over 445,000 people in our community whose lives have been changed by stroke and their number is growing. High blood pressure is the biggest modifiable risk factor of stroke and affects one in three Australian adults.

Stroke Foundation's report, No Postcode Untouched, found that if high blood pressure alone was eliminated, the number of strokes would almost be cut in half (48 per cent). Stroke Foundation is a national charity that partners with the community to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery. It is statistics such as these that drive the Azzurro crew to spread awareness to help identify and prevent causes of strokes.

As the crew sets sail for the 2023 RSHYR, they invite individuals, businesses, and communities to join them in supporting the Stroke Foundation. Contributions and pledges can be made directly to the foundation here.

www.azzurroyachtracing.com.au

Related Articles

Shop the Aktiv Stretch Mid Layers
A collection of high-performing, responsibly made essentials The Aktiv Stretch Mid Layer range is a collection of high-performing, responsibly made essentials, offering warmth, comfort and flexibility on land or sea with quick-drying, moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating properties. Posted today at 4:00 pm
Top must-read Pacific Islands stories of 2024
Take a look at some of the most important and inspiring stories We've shared many great stories throughout 2024. Among these stories are our staff favorite reads of 2024. Posted on 8 Feb
J/40 Boat Tour at boot Düsseldorf
Mark Jardine looks at the yacht with Frédéric Bouvier from J/Composites Mark Jardine, Managing Editor of Sail-World.com and YachtsandYachting.com took a tour around the J/40 during boot Düsseldorf 2025 with Frédéric Bouvier from J/Composites. Posted on 7 Feb
ArtExplorer Catamaran named Multihull of the Year
In Boat International Design & Innovation Awards The prestigious Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2025, bringing together the leading figures of the yachting world, have once again honored the finest achievements in naval architecture, style, design, and technological innovation. Posted on 7 Feb
Noonsite DAFF survey announcement
Have you sailed to Australia in the last 3 years? The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are currently developing biofouling management options for international non-commercial vessels, so that yacht owners can manage the risks before coming to Australia. Posted on 7 Feb
OCC Awards Conservation Challenge Grant
The Ocean Cruising Club is pleased to support Free Range Ocean The Ocean Cruising Club is pleased to support Free Range Ocean with a Conservation Challenge Grant towards the development of its directory of Ocean Citizen Science Projects. Posted on 6 Feb
Mediterranean Sea outlook - January update
The season is well and truly mothballed, noonsite world love to get your feedback Help us expand our Wintering in the Mediterranean report with details of where you have chosen to keep your boat in the off season. Posted on 5 Feb
Seldén Mast announces three key appointments
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in sailing and marine industries Seldén Mast, a world leader in the design and manufacturing of yacht masts, rigging and related systems, is delighted to announce three pivotal appointments to its team. Posted on 4 Feb
Barton Marine Launch New Continuous Line Furler
Designed to provide optimum performance for dinghies and small yachts Designed to provide optimum performance for dinghies and small yachts in even the most challenging conditions, the robust, lightweight and stylish Furler introduces innovative hybrid-bearing technology for the first time. Posted on 4 Feb
Atlantic Ocean outlook - January update
How risky is crossing the Atlantic? Planning on cruising the Iberian Peninsula or Biscay next season? Don't miss this free CA webinar, "Understanding the threat of Orcas when sailing", on 11 February at 1930 hrs GMT. Posted on 2 Feb
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignNorth Sails Loft 57 PodcastHenri-Lloyd - For the Obsessed