Vanguard (Dubois 44)

The Hong Kong yacht Vanguard, designed by Ed Dubois, features here in a classic gybe sequence taken by yachting photographer Jonathan Eastland during the second inshore race of the 1979 Admiral's Cup, with the wind gusting to Force 7 and blowing against a strong spring tide. 

In this sequence you can see Australia's Apollo IV to the left, and then US yacht Williwaw to the right. Williwaw went on to have her own problems (see 1979 Admiral's Cup photos). Although Vanguard lost time through this unscheduled manoeuvre she managed to salvage 19th place in this race in a 57 boat fleet. 

Vanguard was a sistership to her team mate Uin-na-Mara IV, and along with La Pantera III performed strongly with the Hong Kong team finishing in third place overall, behind Australia and the US.

Thanks to Jonathan Eastland for permission to display these images. An archive of his other photos can be seen at Jonathan Eastland archive