Iconic Contest for Monohulls Only

Sydney to Hobart veteran Sean Langman says race organisers need to move with the times and include a multihull division in the famed Australian 628 nm bluewater classic.

Langman said the notable race, which will see the 72nd edition start December 26, needs to be opened to other craft than just monohull yachts between 30 and 100 foot long.

Langman’s proposal has repeatedly been rejected by sailing officials in the past but interest in multihull sailing, especially foiling craft, has since increased dramatically.

“I’d love to see this clause addressed,” Langman said of restricting the race to monohull yachts. “There is no reason racing to Hobart can’t be done in a multihull. We set the Sydney to Hobart passage record on one and that was when we had upwind, really treacherous conditions, at the start.

In 2013 Langman and his crew set a new passage record from Sydney to Hobart in his 60-foot trimaran Team Australia of 29 hours 52 minutes and 23 seconds.

But Langman admits there must be limitations. “You can’t let your every day sailor do it. It would have to be restricted to a certain type of sailor with a proficiency. And I’d love the stop and go gate, where you race to Eden, stop, and then if the weather is okay (in Bass Strait) you’d take it from there.”

Langman notes how other races have changed their rules. “We’re the only major ocean race in the world restricted to monohulls. Races like the Fastnet Trans-Atlantic have all changed.”

This year he will be racing from Sydney to Hobart in a boat that’s as far from a multihull as the rules allow – his 30-foot timber, gaffe-rigged monohull Maluka.

Editor’s note: Is there a downside to responsibly permitting multihulls for this race? Have there been consequences when other races opened entries to multihulls? Add your comments below or email them to editor@sailingscuttlebutt.com

Note: This report had previously, and incorrectly, said how the Newport Bermuda Race had opened entries to multihulls. Actually, at present the Bermuda race is restricted to monohulls only, though multihull participation is under discussion for 2018.

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Source: The Daily Telegraph