Boxing Day in Australia.
- Thread starter garymalmgren
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,814
I was interested in the summation.
In 1956, the announcer said, "For men who sail in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, winning is not so much important. It's the comradeship, an affinity for sea and wind, and some quality that draws them out to pit their skill and lives against the forces of nature, a quality that seems common to all men who challenge the sea in ships."
I am not so sure in 2025 that all of that holds. I am sure some of it is valid.
In 1956, the announcer said, "For men who sail in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, winning is not so much important. It's the comradeship, an affinity for sea and wind, and some quality that draws them out to pit their skill and lives against the forces of nature, a quality that seems common to all men who challenge the sea in ships."
I am not so sure in 2025 that all of that holds. I am sure some of it is valid.
Attrition in the Sydney to Hobart.
The race has always been tough and over the years the regulations for safely have become stricter.
Especially after the 1998 disaster.
So now, all competing boats are really well prepared and inspected.
Riggers, sailmakers. electrical and mechanical engineers, crew, owners and race committees crawl over every boat.
That why it is so surprising that so many boats have retired for such a range of failures.
However. rigging, electronics, sails, rudders, engines have all seen failures in one way or another.
Of the 128 yachts competing, 33 have retired.
www.abc.net.au
The race has always been tough and over the years the regulations for safely have become stricter.
Especially after the 1998 disaster.
So now, all competing boats are really well prepared and inspected.
Riggers, sailmakers. electrical and mechanical engineers, crew, owners and race committees crawl over every boat.
That why it is so surprising that so many boats have retired for such a range of failures.
However. rigging, electronics, sails, rudders, engines have all seen failures in one way or another.
Of the 128 yachts competing, 33 have retired.
Contest for Sydney to Hobart line honours heating up
Crews have been battling challenging conditions, damage and sea sickness as the leading yachts are expected to arrive in Hobart later today.
www.abc.net.au
Comanche took line honours:
www.abc.net.au
Comanche gets 'redemption' for last year after winning race line honours
Master Lock Comanche claims line honours in the 80th edition of the gruelling Sydney to Hobart yacht race, with a stunning daylight hours finish, making up for retiring early in last year's race.
www.abc.net.au
Does anyone know if the Palm Beach XI, nee Wild Oats XI, entered?
There was a write up posted somewhere from Yachtworld about the modifications made to the boat. Palm Beach Yachts and Grand Banks collaborated on a re-fitting including adding foils and keel modifications to increase its sail carrying and allow higher pointing. I understood it was their intention to enter the S-H race.
There was a write up posted somewhere from Yachtworld about the modifications made to the boat. Palm Beach Yachts and Grand Banks collaborated on a re-fitting including adding foils and keel modifications to increase its sail carrying and allow higher pointing. I understood it was their intention to enter the S-H race.
RE: PFD
Here is a post from an Aussie site (Seabreeze) on the cost of competing as a crew.
My personal cost to do the race was
$600 sea safety course - did the one at Bankstown through it was worth the money to get a day in the pool out there very good
new spinlock lifevest $470 Harness Tether $200
Ais PLB in one $500
New wet weather pants I bought a set of Gill coastal which were great for less than $200
My justification is that breathable wet weather pants dont last anyway just get good cheap one knowing you will probably throw them away in 12 months
My last ones from a brand starting with M lasted exactly 12 months and when i went to do the southport race 12 months later they leaked and all the white membrane peeled off in sheets they were crap. Cost about $600
So far the Gill have done 4000 miles including Sydney Auckland and are in great condition no leaks all the velcro and zips work and the shoulder elastic still stretchy, Impressed
Multiply my spend by 9 people for the Hobart
We also had experienced ocean racers say they were pulling out due to the cost of harnesses lifevests and sea safety
Here is a post from an Aussie site (Seabreeze) on the cost of competing as a crew.
My personal cost to do the race was
$600 sea safety course - did the one at Bankstown through it was worth the money to get a day in the pool out there very good
new spinlock lifevest $470 Harness Tether $200
Ais PLB in one $500
New wet weather pants I bought a set of Gill coastal which were great for less than $200
My justification is that breathable wet weather pants dont last anyway just get good cheap one knowing you will probably throw them away in 12 months
My last ones from a brand starting with M lasted exactly 12 months and when i went to do the southport race 12 months later they leaked and all the white membrane peeled off in sheets they were crap. Cost about $600
So far the Gill have done 4000 miles including Sydney Auckland and are in great condition no leaks all the velcro and zips work and the shoulder elastic still stretchy, Impressed
Multiply my spend by 9 people for the Hobart
We also had experienced ocean racers say they were pulling out due to the cost of harnesses lifevests and sea safety