From a six-year kid sailing dinghies in the Noosa River, George Canfield has progressed through the ranks to become a professional ocean racer.

Canfield, 32, is sailing master of Apocalypse, a 50-foot Ben Lexcen-designed racer presently at the Gold Coast for the Fourex Yachting Classic. He is in charge of everything aboard the $300,000 Sydney boat - owned by Barclay Wade - including the I2 racing crew.

Apocalypse took line honours in the first course race of the Fourex Classic on Wednesday and is place third overall on handicap."We are very pleased with our effort," said George. "You don't often see a large boat like ours so well placed on handicap".  

George has spent many years sailing to all parts of the world. Last year he took 1987 Sydney to Hobart winner Condor to England for the Fastnet race, part of the Admiral's Cup.

You must be good at everything - sailor, sailmaker, navigator, boat builder, electrician, engineer, chef," George said about his work.It's a certain live-style . . . some people love it, other:can't handle it." 

George said he hopes to spend time abroad next year in his position as sailing master. "The boss is moving into bigger and better boats, so the future looks good."However, he remained tight-lipped about any details of how big and how good the coming boats will be.