The overall winner for the 2024 Noakes Sydney to Gold Coast race was Mark and Louis Ryckmans onboard their Doyle-powered Class 40 “Volstar Yeah Baby”. The duo have been racing together for over 20 years and this has been their first major coastal victory which they happily credit to their entire crew along with Shane Guanaria, owner of Doyle Sails Sydney.
“Shane has done an exceptional job of growing and promoting the Doyle Sails brand. He’s not just a sailmaker but a friend and a terrific sailor to boot. He not only builds a great product but is sensitive to an owner’s budget and the boat’s actual needs. Shane will also spend the time with you on the water to ensure that the sail he has built is completely fit for purpose and performs as intended.” commented Marc Ryckmans, following their win.
“This year in the Gold Coast race Shane and his team built a staysail and jib top for our new Class 40. Those two sails proved to be the workhorses during the race and undoubtedly gave us the edge as an amateur (but enthusiastic) crew to achieve an against the odds overall win. Whether you own a weekend cruiser racer or a crack racing yacht, and whether you are buying one sail or an entire wardrobe, Shane and Doyle Sails have always looked after their customers with equal care and attention – I think that’s what sets these guys apart from the competition and Louis and I look forward to our continuing and long term relationship”, he continued.
Main trimmer, Lindsay Stead was impressed with the sail set up “ The new furling JT design and supplied from Doyle’s Sydney was the race winner for our out wide tactical decision on Yeah Baby. The JT was in the sky 70% of the race and we found it very versatile well beyond its design TWA’s, we did not expect to be triple headed at 135TWA and happy with our set up. The sweet spot was 90-110TWA, however it managed through a wider range. The new furling J4 slotted in perfectly as a GS for much of the race.”
The success story of Volstar Yeah Baby is a narrative seen frequently throughout the Doyle Sails network, with our entire team bolstering the ‘by sailors, for sailors’ ethos. Shane, who has been part of the Doyle Sails group for many years commented, “I am very happy for the boys. They are an infectious couple of lads that have competed competitively and consistently over the last 20 years in a series of boats starting back in 2004 on their Mumm 36. They always bring together a really great bunch of sailors into their programs have a lot of fun and this year was no different. Results have never been their main driving factor for them, preferring to have great people around them who enjoy each other’s company, where having fun is the key. Their win has been incredibly popular within the sport locally and we are looking forward to seeing more of them on the podium in the future”.
Throughout the fleet who tackled the Noakes Sydney to Southport event this year, results have been dominated by Doyle Sails. Sydney yachts were accompanied on the podium by many other Doyle-powered teams from all over Australia, proving that Doyle Sails Australia has the depth and latitude to deliver at all levels.
Matt Pearce from Doyle Sails Sydney was onboard divisional winner Tempo. “Tempo got off to a great start and although it was very slow going leaving the heads we were in good shape and at the front of the fleet. As the breeze built, we started heading out to sea and by late evening we were on the A6 and ripping along in 22-30kts of breeze.” Reports Pearce “During the first night we lost our A6 and had to triple head as we had wind gusting of over 30kts.”
“The second day our trimmers did a fantastic job on getting the triple headed set up working, going between our structured luff JT and FRO which proved to be very beneficial in the sky for much of that day. It was enough to secure first overall in IRC Division 0 and 3rd on IRC over all by 55 seconds. I couldn’t be happier with the way our inventory performed in some very adverse conditions.” Concluded Pearce.
“We have seen a huge increase of the market share, ” says Shane, “it’s a true testament to the hard work and continued support we are seeing from the Doyle Sails brand and people throughout the network who are supporting all of our Doyle-powered teams”.
“After joining the group, almost a year ago, it has been very pleasing to get up to speed with the latest technology and designs Doyle Sails has” says Matt Pearce “Having worked for Doyle sails in the past and going away to do some Pro Sailing I couldn’t be happier to be back with such a strong group of sailmakers, sailors, and work colleagues. The future looks bright here and I cannot wait to see what’s next.”
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.
By sailors, for sailors.
Speak to your local expert //
Doyle Sails Sydney // Shane Guanaria // shane@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Melbourne // Blake Anderson // blake.anderson@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Tasmania // Nick Dineen // nick.dineen@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Perth // Will Hammond // will.hammond@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Adelaide // Tim Cowen // tim.cowen@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Queensland // Chris Lark // chris.lark@doylesails.com
Doyle Sails Whitsunday // Charles Wallis // charles.wallis@doylesails.com