RSHYR 2023 | Azzurro Interview

A few days before the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – in the middle of a mighty rain storm at the CYCA - we spoke to Jack Kliner, the skipper of the S&S 34 Azzurro and to his crewmate Xavier Doerr. Not many people that were following Azzurro during the race would have known that she had a secret weapon on board – a Blooper! Unfortunately the conditions did not allow them to fly this unusual downwind sail, additional unrated sail area that was definitely a thing in the IOR days of the 1970s. In this short interview Xavier Doerr explains the Blooper and its unique trimming technique, as well as describing some more 21st-century sailcloth on board from Dimension Polyant (using Tyra technology). Skipper Jack Kliner describes his family history with the S&S 34 – the same design of boat that his crewmate Jessica Watson sailed around the world - as well as the responsibility they all feel for continuing Azzurro’s fine record, established by her well-known former owner Shane Kearns.