Big expectations for 75th Sydney Hobart

Entries are now open for the 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with the just-launched Notice of Race (NOR) encouraging sailors from around the world to join the historic 75th running of the ‘Everest’ of ocean racing.

First conducted in 1945 from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney, the annual 628 nm bluewater classic, which starts on Boxing Day each year, has evolved into a pinnacle sailing event, drawing interest and entries from around the globe.

The CYCA Sailing Committee anticipates a larger fleet than the average 95 entries of recent years with early indications of a bumper start on December 26, 2019 for between 120 and 140 boats. Organisers will accommodate as many starters that apply and meet the eligibility criteria.

Given the bigger fleet, the host club is in discussions with other Sydney yacht clubs and marinas, as well as Roads and Maritime Services, to devise a berthing plan to accommodate the anticipated influx of boats to Sydney Harbour pre-Christmas.

Longtime finishing partner the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania is going through the same process with additional berthing to be made available in Constitution Dock and Kings Pier marina.

“The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is one of the greatest ocean races in the world and is the jewel in the CYCA’s crown,” CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham says.

“The 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race marks the 75th race south and we are planning to celebrate with a calendar of events that pays tribute to one of Australia’s greatest annual sporting fixtures.

“We look forward to including entrants, supporters, media and the public from around the world to the 75th Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. We can’t wait for Boxing Day… and the party we’ll have throughout the year.”

The anniversary 2019 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is expected to lure a number of former overall winners back to the start line, one of the best-known being Simon Kurts’ magnificent Sparkman & Stephens design called Love & War, a triple Tattersall Cup winner, in 1974, 1978 and 2006.

Additionally, the CYCA is requesting expressions of interest from overseas competitors looking at shipping their boats as part of a group from the Mediterranean or East Coast USA in October to compete in the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. If interested send email to justine.kirkjian@cyca.com.au.

Entries close at 1700 hours on October 25. Details here: http://www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/

Background: The 2019 fleet will be chasing line honours and the overall Tattersall Cup win in the 628nm Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts December 26, 2019. From Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the south-east coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart.

Source: RSHYR