Sydney Hobart entries open
Big international fleet expected for the ocean classicThe Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has announced the release of the Notice of Race for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and invites eligible yacht owners to enter into Australia’s premier blue-water event.
Now in its 71st edition, the CYCA is predicting an international fleet of approximately 90 yachts will take part in the 628 nautical mile race, which starts on Boxing Day at 1pm AEDT.
Bob Oatley has indicated that record holder and defending line honours champion, Wild Oats XI, will compete again after a bit of surgery to keep her competitive against the newer yachts, such as
Others that could be enticed include George David’s all-carbon maxi, Rambler 88 and Syd Fischer’s Ragamuffin 100. Anthony Bell, keen to test the improved light-weather performance of Perpetual Loyal against all comers, has confirmed his super maxi will take part. For the same reason, Peter Harburg is keen to see his V70, Black Jack, on the start line.
Awarded to the overall winner each year, the Tattersall's Cup is the most coveted trophy in the race. Roger Hickman won his third overall victory in 2014 which was the second with his ageing Farr 43, Wild Rose, formerly Bob Oatley’s earliest Wild Oats.
Hickman has acknowledged he will be back with the 30 year-old yacht and the usual blend of male and female crew that works so well for him, as he makes his fourth bid for the Tattersall’s Cup.
Another older, but revamped yacht expected on the start line, is Shane Kearns’ Quikpoint Azzurro, the S&S 34 he sailed to victory in the CYCA’s Land Rover Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race in July. At the modern end of the scale, Chinese Whisper, the JV62 which finished second overall to Quikpoint Azzurro, will also compete.
Rupert Henry purchased the former Jethou out of Europe and launched it in Sydney five weeks before the Gold Coast race. Chinese Whisper impressed in its maiden Australian outing and will rate among the favourites.
Commenting on the upcoming race, CYCA Commodore John Cameron said: "High-calibre entries are again expected from around the globe for our 71st race. At the large end of the fleet we anticipate line honours contenders that should rival past years.
"Add to that other international entries, and an interesting mix of national entries, which will provoke the usual competition for the Tattersall’s Cup.
"The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is an Australian fixture. It has the public spellbound from the 26th of December every year. Rated in the top two most watched sporting events in Australia, interest grows stronger each year," Cameron added.
Entries close on Friday 30 October 2015 at 1700hrs AEDT.
The Notice of Race is online at: http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/competitors/online-race-entry/.
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