Fire the cannons

“While 2020 has been a very difficult year for all Australians due to the impact of COVID-19, we feel that it is important for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and the sailing world to help support the various government goals to assist economic recovery and help communities return to some sense of normality within strict health and safety guidelines.”

“We would like to sincerely thank the governments of New South Wales and Tasmania, their associated health, police and maritime departments, events and tourism authorities, local councils and all our media and corporate partners for their continued support.”

Entries officially closed last Thursday 29 October with 100 boats looking to head south.

Representation from many international competitors will not be possible this year, with ongoing global restrictions. 

A number of contenders for the Tattersall Cup have entered, including previous winners Ichi Ban (2017 and 2019), Alive (2018) and Quest (2008 and also 2015 as Balance). 

Smaller yachts like of Solveig (overall winner in 1954), and Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race winners Chutzpah (2018) and White Bay Azzurro (2017 as Komatsu Azzurro), will give the bigger boats a run for their money.

The super maxis InfoTrack (line honours 2016 as Perpetual Loyal) and Black Jack (2009 as Alfa Romeo) will do battle for line honours to claim the John H Illingworth Challenge Cup. Unfortunately, Wild Oats XI, skippered by Mark Richards, will not be taking part this year. Reigning champion Comanche has been sold overseas following its win last year and will not be returning.  

The newly introduced Two-Handed division of the Rolex Sydney Hobart has attracted a number of entries, with a perpetual trophy being introduced to honour the division’s overall winner.

This year celebrates the 75th year of the participation of female sailors in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. This year’s race will feature six female skippers: Wendy Tuck (Speedwell), Tiare Tomaszewski (Maris), Annie Lawrence (Solveig), Sibby Ilzhofer (Dare Devil), Genevieve Warlow (Dodgeball) and Jiang Hui Lin (Min River).

A number of significant changes will be made to the event this year. More focus will be on enhanced digital coverage of the race and all team briefings will be undertaken online.

The social events and parties usually held at the CYCA in the lead up to the race in December will not be taking place this year and there will be restrictions imposed across the club house and marina, spectator fleets and gatherings at public vantage spots for the race start on 26 December.

Importantly, the Hobart Race Village and its associated festivities will be restructured in line with the best practice recommendations from authorities with the village and marina closed to the general public.

The club will announce any new guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19 safety, tracking and social distancing.

rolexsydneyhobart.com