Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 – Get ready for the spills and thrills
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012
Considered to be one of the greatest offshore races in the world, the 68th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 takes competitors on the annual challenge of 628 nautical miles through some of the most turbulent seas and difficult conditions crews will ever have to face. Only those with a true passion for sailing in the most adverse weather, plus a totally fearless disposition can handle this bluewater classic.
Leaving the spectacular setting of Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day, and accompanied by numerous well-wishers, both landside and afloat, the race crews start their epic journey to Hobart, Tasmania. To date, four super maxis and six previous overall winners, including defending champion, Loki, are among the 78 lining up for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 all aiming to scoop the coveted J.H. Illingworth Trophy.
The route follows the south-eastern coast of mainland Australia before crossing the notorious Bass Strait, renowned for its dangerous personality, as it can be either dead calm or dramatically challenging. The water is relatively shallow and the winds can be strong, with these two elements often creating a steep and difficult sea for the yachts. It then follows the eastern coast of Tasmania southwards to Tasman Island and across into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port of Hobart.
At Hobart, the end of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 will mark a return to warm summer weather for the sailors. The Nokia made this trip in less than two days in 1999, while in the inaugural 1945 race the winner Rani took over six days. Typically arrivals now reach Hobart in plenty of time to celebrate or commiserate, and swap yarns about the race with other crews over a few beers before joining in the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
In 2005 Wild Oats XI shortened the time to drinks at the Customs House Hotel in Hobart, breaking Nokia‘s record by about an hour. High-tech “Maxi” boats are aiming to consistently come in under 40 hours in the Sydney to Hobart Race Yacht 2012.
Weekend sailor participants and other yachtsmen and yachtswomen may not achieve “Line Honours” finishes against such advanced vessels. They still have a chance, however, for an overall win. They can prevail through the handicap rating system, especially if the weather changes after the fastest boats finish.
For some sailors, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 is a life-changing experience. For other participants, it is a career. Skippers, crew, and designers have returned year after year to test themselves in one of the most challenging races in the world. Skipper Tony Cable has participated in 45 races.
The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2012 will continue to be populated by a wide variety of sailors. Over 1,000 women already have participated in past races. Many skippers in the latter half of their lives participate, using their extensive experience in the challenging race.
On departure from Sydney, the majestic fleet of yachts is covered by news media afloat and in helicopters. In a tight race in 2011, the Investec Loyal beat three-time winner Wild Oats XI by only a few minutes. A protest involving a recording of a conversation between the Investec Loyal and an ABC news helicopter was reviewed, as a crew member had apparently been asking about the Wild Oats XI‘s sail plan.
In September and October 2013, only a few months before the Sydney Hobart Race 2013, will see Tall Ships events in Sydney and Hobart. The events will conclude with a race to Auckland, New Zealand towards the end of October. It’s the first Sail Training International event in this area, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy’s first entering Sydney.
New Zealand will be launching a competing race late in 2014 called the A2B race, from Auckland to Bluff, hoping to draw some of the competitors from Sydney to Hobart Race 2013 and later races.
Even from a distance, fans can participate in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race 2012 excitement by following the official Twitter stream (@rshyr) and monitoring live webcams in Sydney and Hobart.
Main Image Courtesy of S Baker Syndey to Hobart Yacht Race 2012
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