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Navigating Hope: Peter Sets Sail to Support Research for a Parkinson’s Cure

Friday, 19th December 2025

In this year’s Sydney to Hobart Race, the 48-foot Swan Yacht, Sumatra will set sail in pursuit of a vision – raising $20,000 to help support Australian research to accelerate better treatments and ways to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s.

As Shake It Up hero Peter says, “Sumatra isn’t just our yacht; she’s an ocean-going vessel of hope and inspiration. As we tackle the legendary Sydney to Hobart race, we’re not just navigating the oceans; we’re championing the incredible resilience of those who’ve faced profound health battles and have emerged with courage.”

The fundraising journey is inspired by some fundamental people in Peter’s life. Through Sumatra’s first program of ocean racing the crew will be raising funds for:

  • The St Vincent’s Curran’s Institute for heart transplant research, in support of Peter’s co-owner Shane, whose triumph over a heart transplant and two battles with cancer shows the strength of the human spirit.
  • The Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of his mother and best friend—both of whom sadly passed away within six months of each other in 2012
  • The Shake It Up Australia Foundation, in honour of Peter’s father, who lived with Parkinson’s disease

This inspirational sailing journey will not only be raising vital funds to go straight to innovative research, but will raise community awareness and increase understanding about these important causes and the people affected by them.

“With every ocean mile we sail, we’re shining a light on these causes that mean the world to us”, Peter says. “Alongside our crew of dear friends, we’re sailing with love, passion, and a shared commitment to making a difference. Sumatra is our beacon of resilience, turning every wave into a chance to raise both awareness and funds for these important battles.” 

You can follow the Sumatra’s journey or support Peter’s fundraising efforts with a donation here.