Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
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2 Results 3 External links 4 External links |
Hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and starting in Sydney on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas Day) this race finishes in Hobart.
The race started as a cruise in the years after World War II but gradually became more competitive and commercialised. It is one of the pre-eminent offshore yacht races in the world and attracts maxi-yachts from other countries.
The race has occasionally been subject to loss of life and controversy in recent years when hit by freakish weather conditions and this has resulted in significant safety improvements. While some rail against this imposed regulation, it has to be remembered that the rescue services are morally obliged to risk their lives when sailors are at risk, so safety improvements, though costly and limiting, are necessary for the safety of all. The 1998 race which was a disaster was the subject of a book, "Fatal Storm", by noted sailing commentator, Rob Mundle.Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
| Year | Overall Winner | Skipper | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Nicorette | ||
| 1999 | Nokia | ||
| 2002 | Alfa Romeo |
Another Australian offshore race is the Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race run by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria known as the West Coaster, This race starts on 27 December, making Hobart a very exciting place on New Year's Eve.
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The Fastnet race is a yachting race in the United Kingdom. It is considered one of the classic offshore races. It happens every two years, and is a course of 608 miles. The course is unusual, as it begins off Cowes, travels to the Fastnet Rock off the southwest coast of Ireland, which they round, and then back to Plymouth via the south side of the Scilly Isles. The prize is known as the Fastnest Challenge Cup.
The first Fastnet race, with seven entries, was won by Jolie Brise in 1925.
The race was part of the Admiral's Cup racing series from 1957 to 1999.
The International Offshore Rule (IOR) was introduced in 1973, and the yachts and crews began taking sponsorships.
Storms during the 1979 race resulted in the deaths of 17 competitors. This led to a major overhaul of the rules and required equipment for the competition.
The race drew attention outside the sport in 1985 when the maxi-yacht Drum capsized after her experimental keel sheared off. Pop star Simon Le Bon, co-owner and crew member of Drum, was trapped under the hull with five other crew members for twenty minutes, until being rescued by the British Navy.
The race is sponsored by Rolex in 2004, and is organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club with the Royal Yacht Squadron and the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth.