ONE of the most successful keel boat racers in Hong Kong over the past five years, Dr Ian Nicholson's Banner 41, Intrigue, is up for sale.
But the 'Doc' won't be lost to the territory's yachting scene. He has bought a new Bashford 41, designed by leading Australian sailor and member of the oneAustralia America's Cup syndicate, Iain Murray.
There are already six of the 41-footers in the water worldwide and two of them have made the international headlines. Raptor took IMS handicap honours in the 50th anniversary edition of the Sydney to Hobart Race last December while Jenny took top overall honours in last year's King's Cup regatta in Phuket, Thailand.
Nicholson's purchase could have a major influence on another of Hong Kong's leading skippers, Steve Ellis of Sweet Caroline and, more recently, Wizard fame.
Ellis has just sold his IMX Wizard to Cathy Delaney and Jim Hobbs and is in the market for a new boat ahead of October's China Coast Cup series in Hong Kong waters.
'I've been looking at a number of designs but knowing the 'Doc' has bought a Bashford is tempting me to campaign a sister ship,' Ellis said yesterday.
