2016 Sydney to Hobart attracts 100 entries

A neat 100 yachts have signed up to take part in the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race run by The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA), which says it takes great pleasure in announcing the close of entries for the 72nd running of the famous 628 nautical mile bluewater classic.

"It’s exciting to see a highly competitive fleet of 100 entries. While many are returning, the level of interest has increased with 12 internationals campaigning boats from China, UK, Sweden, Korea for the first time, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and the USA," CYCA Commodore, John Markos commented today (October 31, 2016).

"Four super maxis, six other grand prix big boats and an incredibly strong field trying to win the Tattersall’s Cup, including some vintage yachts — I am sure we have an exhilarating race on our hands," he ended.

Having never missed the race since launching in 2005, record holder Wild Oats XI — owned by the Oatley family and skippered by Mark Richards — leads an intimidating array of boats, as the CYCA describes it. Picking a winner will be anyone's guess in the wide open field. But Wild Oats XI won't be displeased that its nemesis Commanche hasn't signed on.

Along with Wild Oats XI, the super maxis include Scallywag from Hong Kong; Perpetual LOYAL; and 2000 line honours winner Ludde Ingvall with his yet-to-be-named yacht.

There are three V70’s – Black Jack, Giacomo (NZL) and Maserati — which will be joined by the 80 footer Beau Geste (HKG), 66 footer Alive, and a 62 footer called Chinese Whisper having a crack at line and overall honours.  

Last year’s overall winner, Paul Clitheroe’s Balance, also returns, amid a fleet of nine TP52s. There is a trio of Cookson 50s, one of which won in 2013.

Joining Balance (also won as Quest in 2008) in the past-overall-winners' fleet measuring from 40-100 feet are: Victoire (2013); Wild Oats XI (2005 and 2012), Primitive Cool (2010 as Secret Mens Business); Two True (2009); Love & War (1974, 1978 and 2006); The Banshee (1995 as Terra Firma) and China Easyway (co-won as She’s Apples II in 1991).

Smaller boats have also won and this time it could be a Sydney 38, such as TSA Management or Calibre, or the oldest boat in the fleet, Maluka of Kermandie, measuring just on 30 feet.

Records will be created and history made in 2016 too. Adrienne Cahalan will become the first female to mark the 25 Hobarts milestone when she heads south on Ragamuffin.

Bruce and Drew Taylor from Victoria will join the fathers and sons who have made 25 races, but they will be the first father and son to sail all 25 together - all on ‘Chutzpahs’ owned by Bruce (who sails his 36th this year).

David and Bradshaw Kellett also join the ‘25 fathers and sons’. David has amassed 42, the last 11 leading the Radio Relay Vessel team that monitors the fleet. Bradshaw, who is 40, misses out being the youngest to achieve 25 races by three weeks, but he will be the youngest to attain 25 successive Sydney Hobarts.  

The Boxing Day start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia. Official race website at rolexsydneyhobart.com.