Great Race returns – RSHYR

A diverse and competitive fleet will chase history in the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, headlined by the battle for the Tattersall Cup and the introduction of the Two-Handed Division.

For the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, six Australian states and territories are represented in the fleet of 106 boats (NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and ACT), along with three international entries (Black Jack – Monaco; Maverick 49 – Guernsey; SHK Scallywag 100 – Hong Kong).

Matt Allen’s Botin 52 Ichi Ban is hoping to become only the third boat to win the Tattersall Cup (awarded to the overall winner on handicap) three times, having won the 2017 and 2019 editions of the race. Simon Kurts’ S&S 47 Love & War is one of the two boats on that elite list (Freya is the other) and will be one to watch if the breeze is strong and blowing from different directions.

Speaking at the Official Media Launch for the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart, Allen said “We have a chance of going back-to-back, but we will put that out of our minds – we’re pretty superstitious!

“You need all the moons to align [to win the Tattersall Cup]. You need a terrific boat, a terrific crew, but you also need luck down Storm Bay and the Derwent River.”

“We are delighted to see such a strong fleet for the return of this Great Race,” said Noel Cornish AM, Commodore of the race organiser, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. “Planning for the race has been a truly collaborative effort as we adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring we can conduct the race in compliance with any restrictions outlined by the NSW and Tasmanian State Governments.

The Boxing Day start of the 2021 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live-and-on-demand on the 7Plus app.

Photo: (L-R) Jules Hall, Matt Allen AM, Jen Linkova, Christian Beck and David Griffith AM.