VIDEO: Admiral’s Cup 50th Regatta

Published on Dec 22, 2017
Springing from an informal suggestion by the Classic Yacht Association of Australia, the Regatta was a joint venture between the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. It attracted 21 entrants for a three-race series raced on Sydney Harbour and offshore.

The event had three co-patrons, each with special connections to the Admiral’s Cup: Syd Fischer, who competed eight times in his various Ragamuffins and captained the Australian team on six occasions; Gordon Ingate, skipper of Caprice of Huon for her incredible three-in-a-row wins in 1965; and Sir James Hardy, who contested the Cup in his own yachts and also as a helmsman on Impetuous during the Australian team victory in 1979.

Entry was open to any yacht that represented Australia in the Admiral’s Cup or had sailed in the selection trials. Among the famous offshore racers taking part were Caprice of Huon, the first Ragamuffin, Salacia II, Love & War, Mister Christian, Mercedes III and IV, Pacha and the original Wild Oats. In addition, Anitra V and Lorita Maria were invited to participate in recognition of their distinguished roles in the development of offshore yachting in Australia.