The 2022 Great Veterans Race
The Digby designed 8 metre DEFIANCE- Image Andrea Francolini
By David Salter (MISTER CHRISTIAN)
In many ways it was like a traditional four-day Sydney Hobart Yacht Race squeezed into just three hours.
First, the casual jumble of yachts drifting around the Harbour before the start. Then a light-to-variable breeze for the opening stanzas, plenty of gunnel-down sailing as the race developed, and finally a few restorative ales among friends once the fleet had finished.
Rescued from near extinction a few years ago, the annual Great Veterans Race is again a notable fixture on the CYCA sailing program, attracting more than 20 classic yachts.
Up to now, entry had been restricted to any boat with a launch date prior to 1976 that has competed in at least one Hobart race. This year the fleet was expanded to include a new division for yachts that had raced south under the IOR rule up to 1991.
As Commodore Noel Cornish remarked at the post-race presentation, all the participating yachts and the heritage they embody are “part of the club’s DNA”.
Congratulations to all competitors, the organising committee and particularly the placegetters. Full results can be found HERE (CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE)
Many Thanks as always to Andrea Francolini for the use of his stunning imagery.