Mike Green prepares for ultimate test as master of Quest
MIKE Green notched up his first Sydney to Hobart in 1977, one of those years when it was best to stay home.
Now he's getting ready for No.34, just one short of the 35 achieved by his late father Peter, regarded as one of Australia's great open ocean sailors.
Despite having plenty of years on his side to clock up a half-century or more, Mike, the sailing master on Quest, said he didn't think he would go beyond his dad's mark.
"I'm hoping to reach the same. It's a bit like Bradman; it's okay to match his record, but seems wrong to better it," Mike said.
He is one of three sailors in this year's fleet who are closing in on big numbers set by their fathers.
Carl Crafoord, navigator on supermaxi Lahana, is on his 27th outing and quickly closing in on the 30 contested by his late father Max.
And Ichi Ban's Robert Case is also starting his 27th, well short of the 40 sailed by his dad Bernie who also chalked up seven Admirals Cups and another seven Clipper/Kenwood Cups.
At just 42, Robert, who hasn't missed a Sydney to Hobart race since 1985, could set a mark no one can beat.
