Jackson leads female team for Sydney Hobart Race

In a bid to encourage stronger female representation in Australian sailing and to promote ocean health and sustainability, an all-female professional crew will compete in the 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race to lift the Tattersall Cup in Hobart.

The 13-strong crew, led by Skipper Stacey Jacksonn will race under the team name of ‘Ocean Respect Racing’, in partnership with 11th Hour Racing, an international organisation that promotes sustainability through sport. Sailing on the 66-footer Wild Oats X, Ocean Respect Racing is a serious contender for victory with a combined experience of 68 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Races and 17 Volvo Ocean Races.

Ninety-two yachts have entered the 628nm offshore classic which starts December 26, 2018. 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.

Ocean Respect Racing’s crusade to Hobart became a reality at Hamilton Island Race Week in August 2018, when Sandy Oatley gifted Stacey Jackson the use of Wild Oats X for the race on behalf of the Oatley family.

“To be able to sail with a fully professional all-female crew to Hobart is a wonderful opportunity and we are proud to build on the work of non-professional female crews who have previously raced,” said Jackson. “Our crew will be training intensively in the lead up to Boxing Day and we are excited to sail to promote and encourage women in the sport, and to engage with the Australian public on ocean health issues that are affecting us daily, both locally and globally.”

Sandy Oatley said when Stacey presented her proposal to enter Australia’s first all-female professional crew in to the race, the Oatley family instantly decided to support Stacey’s campaign.

“Sailing is a sport that my family is incredibly passionate about and we were delighted to agree to contribute Wild Oats X to Stacey’s campaign at Hamilton Island Race Week,” said Oatley. “We are looking forward to seeing both Wild Oats XI and Wild Oats X on the starting line for what is expected to be a strong race.”

Since 2010, 11th Hour Racing has been harnessing the power of sport for positive change with an innovative approach through strategic partnerships within the sailing and maritime communities – including the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup, along with giving over 80 grants to not-for-profit organizations, and engaging professional sailors as global ambassadors.

Ocean Respect Racing will be promoting the UN Environment’s Clean Seas campaign, a grantee of 11th Hour Racing, growing the momentum of Australia’s recent commitment to the campaign to reduce ocean plastics.

The Ocean Respect Racing crew will make their first debut in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, which will be held on December 11 in Sydney Harbour.

Ocean Respect Racing Crew List
Stacey Jackson – Skipper
Dee Caffari – Reserve PIC
Carolijn Brouwer – Helm
Libby Greenhalgh – Navigator
Sue Cafer – Trimmer
Sophie Ciszek- Bowman
Katie Spithill – Tactics
Vanessa Dudley – Trimmer
Bianca Cook – Trimmer
Jade Cole – Pit
Faraday Brooke Martin – Boat Captain
Keryn McMaster – Main trimmer
Katie Pettibone – Trimmer

Event Details – Entry List – Facebook

Ninety-two yachts have entered the 628nm Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race which starts December 26, 2018. 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: CYCA