After a 22-year hiatus, the Admiral’s Cup returns in 2025, and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is leading Australia’s charge back onto the world offshore racing stage. With a legacy to uphold—the Cup was last won by Australia in 2003—the CYCA is fielding a powerhouse team to challenge the world’s best in the Solent.
Australia’s Gordon Ketelbey and his Botin TP52 ‘Zen’ are ready to take on the world with precision, passion, and pedigree. Flying the Australian flag proudly at international regattas, the TP52 Zen represents more than just cutting-edge design and speed—it embodies the journey, determination, and camaraderie that define the best of competitive sailing.
At the helm is Gordon Ketelbey, a sailor whose path to top-tier ocean racing began with an adventurous voyage from South Africa to Australia in the 1980s. Arriving with a dream and a 39-foot ferro-cement yacht, Ketelbey built a new life down under—starting a successful electrical business and raising a family, all while pursuing his passion for the sea.
Since those early days, Ketelbey has evolved into one of Australia’s most prolific ocean racing skippers. He’s competed on the national and international stage, from Asia to Europe and the US, and consistently demonstrated that persistence and strategic thinking are as vital as boat speed. His preferred format is one-design racing—what he calls “real racing”—where success hinges on crew work and tactics rather than technical advantages.
Every boat Ketelbey has raced since his Sydney 38 has carried the Zen name—making him one of the easiest people to track on the circuit. From the Sydney 38, to the Farr 40, and now to a heavily modified Botin-designed TP52, Ketelbey’s journey through yacht ownership mirrors his competitive evolution.
His partnership with Shane Guanaria, Managing Director of Doyle Sails Australia and Zen’s campaign manager, has been key to that journey. The two teamed up back in 2008, and their collaboration has spanned continents, World Championships, and countless regattas.
Their current steed, Zen 52, was originally built as Synergy in 2011 and later raced as Sorcha. Ketelbey found her in Palma, Spain, and brought her home in late 2018—launching the boat just three weeks before the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
As campaign manager, Guanaria plays a pivotal role well beyond the sail loft. He oversees everything from logistics and crew selection to performance analytics and gear optimization. Under his direction, Doyle Sails has not only engineered Zen’s sail wardrobe but also helped drive an aggressive upgrade program that’s turned the boat into a potent all-rounder—equally competitive upwind and down.
While Zen showed immediate promise, especially upwind inshore, the competitive TP52 fleet quickly evolved. Recognizing the need for change, Ketelbey and Guanaria led a major refit, including modifications to the keel and structural weight reductions to improve all-round performance.
“Initially we did quite well uphill,” Ketelbey says, “but whilst we had the uphill strength, we lacked downwind power. Eventually, the modifications made us all-round much stronger. We are still fast on the beat but downwind we can now hold our own.”
A team built to win
Ketelbey’s focus goes far beyond the helm. Known for fostering a positive and developmental team culture, he provides opportunities for emerging talent to gain experience at the highest level. His loyalty to his crew, and theirs to him, is evident in every campaign.
Now, as Zen prepares to race in the Solent; home of the historic Admiral’s Cup, the team is fortified by some of Australia’s best, including:
Tom Addis – world-renowned navigator and former Volvo Ocean Race tactician
Alex Gough – experienced offshore sailor with multiple Sydney Hobart campaigns
Chris Nicholson – a true legend of the sport, with six Volvo Ocean Races, two Olympics, six World Championship titles, and multiple National titles under his belt.
Nicholson’s addition adds another layer of experience to an already formidable team. Twice named Australian Yachtsman of the Year, his presence underscores Zen’s ambition not just to compete—but to win.
Beyond the results, what sets Zen apart is Ketelbey’s enduring commitment to the sport’s future. From mentoring young sailors to building inclusive, high-performing teams, he brings the same energy and dedication to crew development as he does to boat optimization.
Whether it’s through Doyle’s cross-campaign collaboration with other CYCA teams or in the coaching of newcomers onboard, Zen is a team that exemplifies what modern ocean racing can and should be: fast, fair, and forward-thinking.
As Zen readies for another international challenge, one thing is clear—this is a campaign powered by experience, shaped by passion, and driven by the spirit of true Australian sailing.
The Bigger Picture: CYCA’s Bid for Glory
Alongside Zen, Sean Langman’s Back 2 Black, a GP42/Fast 40+, rounds out CYCA’s Admiral’s Cup team. With Langman’s tactical smarts and the versatility of a two-boat squad, CYCA is going all-in on reclaiming the prestigious trophy.
The Cup’s return marks not just a competitive opportunity, but a symbolic one—reaffirming Australia’s place in the upper echelon of international offshore racing. With Zen leading the charge, supported by a proven partnership between Gordon Ketelbey and Shane Guanaria, Australia’s campaign is a blend of innovation, experience, and heart.
As the 2025 Admiral’s Cup approaches, Zen stands not only as a contender—but as a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets precision.
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.