The Army Transit Security Element's winning yacht, the Green Ghost, is prepared for launch on race day. Photo provided by Leut-Cmdr Andy Schroder

Diggers show Navy how to make boats that win

By Graham Davis
SOLDIERS have triumphed over the Navy in an unusual yacht race held recently off the north coast of Australia.

But the yachts were more remarkable for their improvisation than their size. The race came about as the result of a challenge issued by a team of eight 1 Bde soldiers who were embarked onboard HMAS Bunbury as an Army Transit Security Element.

At the time HMAS Bunbury was patrolling the waters to the north of Bathurst and Melville Islands.

The goal was to see which team could build the yacht that would travel the furthest over a 10-minute period. The catch was that the scale model yachts had to be built from materials in daily use on the ship.

The deadline for the race was set for the following day.

Light and fast was the order of the day and some truly interesting designs were produced using a variety of materials.

Unfortunately for the Navy, the Army entry, boasting a garbage bag sail and aluminium can hull-technology, won the event.

No confirmation can be made of the allegations that the winners were invited to swim home.

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