TheCapitalist
December 23rd, 2007, 09:20 AM
http://rolexsydneyhobart.com/default.asp
I'm looking forward to this race with anticipation. It starts Dec 26th. It is a rough course and all out balls-to-the-wall sailing!
"Bass Strait, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean immediately to its east, are renowned for their high winds and difficult seas. Even though the race is held in the Australian summer, "southerly buster" storms often make the Sydney-Hobart race cold, bumpy, and very challenging for the crew. It is typical for a considerable number of yachts to retire, often at Eden on the New South Wales south coast, the last sheltered harbour before the Bass Strait crossing.
The 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was marred by tragedy when, during an exceptionally strong storm (which had similar strength winds to a lower-category hurricane), five boats sank and six people died. Of the 115 boats that started, only 44 made it to Hobart. As a result, the crew eligibility rules were tightened, requiring a higher minimum age and experience. "
The book, "Proving Ground" by G. Bruce Knecht chronicals this historic tragedy and is an excellent read. Larry Ellison of Oracle fame won the race that year.
I'm looking forward to this race with anticipation. It starts Dec 26th. It is a rough course and all out balls-to-the-wall sailing!
"Bass Strait, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean immediately to its east, are renowned for their high winds and difficult seas. Even though the race is held in the Australian summer, "southerly buster" storms often make the Sydney-Hobart race cold, bumpy, and very challenging for the crew. It is typical for a considerable number of yachts to retire, often at Eden on the New South Wales south coast, the last sheltered harbour before the Bass Strait crossing.
The 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was marred by tragedy when, during an exceptionally strong storm (which had similar strength winds to a lower-category hurricane), five boats sank and six people died. Of the 115 boats that started, only 44 made it to Hobart. As a result, the crew eligibility rules were tightened, requiring a higher minimum age and experience. "
The book, "Proving Ground" by G. Bruce Knecht chronicals this historic tragedy and is an excellent read. Larry Ellison of Oracle fame won the race that year.