Sydney to Hobart
April 23rd 2007 05:07
Category: Guides
The waters between Sydney and Tasmania, particularly the Bass Strait, are notorious for being wild and have an unpredictable temperament, often deviating from predictions. Even though the race takes place in summer, the southern storms make the crossing cold and miserable. In 1998, six sailors were killed when a brutal storm whipped waves up to 10 m in height, forcing rescuer helicopters to brave the storm and airlift sailors to safety. That year, out of 115 yachts competing, only 44 finished the race.
The tragedy caused an inquiry into the safety management of the race, and fault was thrown in the faces of the race organizers as well as the Bureau of Metrology. After that grim year, the race has upped its minimum standards, requiring greater experience and raising the minimum age.
Despite the dangers of the race and the grueling pace 630 nautical miles over the course of two to several days the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has become a massively popular boating event, and indeed, one of the most prominent yacht races in the world. As the prestige of the event has increased over the years, top competitors have made their way to Sydney to compete, including the most competitive maxi yachts from Europe and America.
The first race was held in 1945, a time of celebration and joy, as World War II came to a quick and decisive end. The threat of Japanese expansionism came to a grinding halt as the Americans dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, taking a great weight off the shoulders of Australia.
In 1945, the yacht known as the Rani took first place out of nine competitors, taking six days and 14 hours to complete the course. Since then, the finishing times have dropped considerably, and the pool of competitors has grown in parallel. Thousands of yachts have competed since that first race, and 61 yachtsmen have raced in 25 or more races.
In 1999, Nokia sailed the course in 1 day and 19 hours, a legacy of a record that would stand untested for years. The time required a punishing regiment of discipline and the good fortune to have ideal weather conditions. The record was shattered in 2005, when Wild Oats XI finished in one day and 18 hours, taking both the Line Honours (first boat to cross the line) and the Corrected Handicap prize.
Prophetically, 2005 was an excellent year to race, with passive weather conditions unexpected at this time of the year favouring the 30 metre maxi yachts. Wild Oats XI was a new boat, sleekly designed and packed with innovative technology, but untested in the water. For this reason, the gambling houses picked Alfa Romeo to win. Wild Oats would prove them wrong though, as she made a daring decision to go inshore, catching a healthy wind off Gabo Island, pushing Wild Oats away from the pack.
The crew of the 2005 winner, Wild Oats
On the day of the race, the Sydney Harbour will be packed with spectator vessels looking to see the beginning of the race. Boxing Day is manic in the Harbour, and boat operators are urged to comply with the race authorities on where to drop anchor.
Charter vessels offer seats for interested spectators, ranging from $100 to over $200 for prime viewing position. Its usually a glorious day in Sydney on Boxing Day, and sitting in a luxury craft with a wine spritzer and a croissant is the perfect medicine for the ails of modern living. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race grows every year, and the bays in the Harbour flood with hundreds and thousands of people on Boxing Day. Grab your spot early, and watch the competitors break themselves while you relax in the sun.
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