A Record-fleet for Club Marine Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta
Thanks to the CYCA for allowing us to republish this article from their Website
All images CYCA/Andrea Francolini.
A record fleet of 36 classic yachts took part in the Club Marine Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta on Sydney Harbour over the weekend (12-14 December).
Heading upwind. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
The fleet, comprised of current and former Sydney Hobart Yacht Race yachts built prior to 1995, sailed over three days in varied conditions.
David Champtaloup, Chair of the Classic Yacht Committee, the organising committee behind the regatta, said: “We had a great three days of Classic Yacht racing on Sydney Harbour. We seem to have established a tradition of sailors in beautiful boats enjoying the company of others enjoying the same thing. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
Keith Glover at the helm of Wraith of Odin. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
During Friday’s invitation race, the sailors faced grey skies and drizzle. Fortunately, Saturday produced sun and a 15–20 knots northeasterly breeze. These conditions largely carried through to Sunday for the second and final race. The Sunday race started from Cannae Point, Manly, the original starting point of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in its early years. The fleet enjoyed a 10 knots ENE, with gusts up to 15 knots at times.
Lahara taking in the sights. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Non-Spinnaker – Division 1
Peter Cummings’ Adams 10 Madam X (1980) had success in Division 1 (Non-Spinnaker). The yacht placed first on PHS ahead of James Mackenzie’s Dubois One Tonner Biblegumbie (1981), followed by Nigel Stoke’s Knud Reimers 61ft Fidelis (1964).
The beautiful Archina. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Non-Spinnaker – Division 2
Warwick Ellis’ Delinquent (1971) dominated Division 2 (Non-Spinnaker). The S&S 34 won both races to secure the divisional win. Second place went to Tiare Tomaszewski’s Maris, originally owned by Tomaszewski’s grandfather, Jack Earle, a founding father of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Tony Burgess’ Alan Buchanan Vashti-class Valhalla (1964) completed the podium in third.
Hoist the spinnakers! Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Spinnaker – Division 1
Three-time Sydney Hobart winner Love & War (1973) demonstrated it remains in peak form ahead of this year’s 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Owned by Simon Kurts, the S&S 47 finished second in both races, which secured the divisional win on PHS. On board Love & War was Peter Shipway, who, across 31 Sydney Hobarts, achieved two Overall wins on board Love & War (1974 and 1978). Joining Shipway was Lindsay May who skippered Love & War to its most recent Overall victory in 2006.
Vittoria in fine form. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Second place went to Alan Reece’s S&S 42 Vittoria (1970) on countback, ahead of Brett Averay’s Victorian entry, the Peterson 44 Bacardi (1978). Bacardi will contest its 32nd Sydney Hobart Yacht Race this year — the most of any yacht in the race’s history.
Bacardi on the the tails of Mister Christian and Love & War. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Spinnaker – Division 2
It was a tight battle in Division 2 (Spinnaker). Ben Gray’s Peterson IOR 3/4 Tonner Impeccable (1980) claimed victory on PHS by one point over Samuel Hunt’s S&S IOR 3/4 Tonner Nike (1973). Nike secured second place on countback, ahead of Paul Montague’s Robert Clarke-designed Huon Lass (1964).
A celebration of history
After Sunday’s racing, competitors gathered at the Sydney Race Village for the presentation and a barbecue and pop-up bar provided by Red Mill Rum, which rounded out a memorable weekend.
Can’t beat rum after a day on the water. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Spirits were high as sailors reflected on outstanding racing on board yachts that each play an essential role in Australia’s yachting heritage.
Happy days on board Anitra V. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Guest speaker at the presentation was 99-year-old Gordon Ingate, who competed in his Wally Ward-designed Jasnar (built in 1947). It was a full-circle moment for Ingate, who sailed his first Sydney Hobart on board Jasnar in 1950, when he was 24 years old.
Gordon Ingate at the presentation. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Ingate went on to enjoy a hugely successful sailing career filled with extraordinary achievements.
A bumpy ride for Maris. Credit – Andrea Francolini/CYCA
Organisers declared the seventh edition of the event a huge success.