2017 Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race

Final day of racing – no wind at dawn, but there was a slight build during the day until we had enough breeze to play in. Off we went with a great start and a solid first beat, and rounded the first mark in 3rd, which considering we’re one of the slowest rated boats in the 22 boat class, was quite something. A reach across to a pile of rocks, and then a spinnaker run down the island, and finally…

And the wind does blow…. Well up to 18 knots anyway. Long race day today – up around the islands and back through “bomb alley”. We got a bit jammed at the start, and were playing catch up as the fleet headed inshore to the first turning mark. About 10 miles of upwind work followed in a building breeze until we got to the rock we were turning around. Up went the biggest spinnaker, and then we fed through the…

4 erstwhile members of the Triple Lindy gang head off to Charleston SC for some North U training and one-design sailing in 7.5 m Flying Tigers. Practice first then off to Race Week where hopefully the cobwebs come off and the brilliant OD minds that used to be get kick started back into action. Stay tuned as the Triple Lindy reps become true Melons 😃

After the excitement of the race, we’re now slowing things down by cruising the East coast of Tasmania. I say slowing, but with Donald on the helm reaching at up to 16 knots, it’s still a sporty ride. Donald is glued to the wheel, only taking a break for the evening meal and some sleep, and is having a ball. Remaining crew are reading up on “Mutiny on the Bounty” as we have both Joe and a dinghy aboard. Seems…

With one minute to go to the start, Triple Lindy had lined up at the boat end, and started building speed to the line. We shut out boats attempting to squeeze their way in, and at the gun, we were front row in the fleet and off down the eastern channel, and past the Lindy supporters on “Majestic”, making a suitable amount of noise. Fourteen helicopters and small planes  circled overhead as we reached the first of two turning marks.…

This is report 1, as after some sleep, food, and beer at the legendary Customs House (forget the sleep – that’ll be later), I will be able to report the race with more clarity. Sorry for the lack of posting during the race, but this is a different beast, and there’s no time, let alone no way of sitting at a keyboard. The boat spent a lot of the trip in the high teens to mid-twenties in knots of speed…

Day after day the fourteen crew put in long hours on preparing the boat and themselves for the race. Equipment is unloaded for the training sail of the day, the job list is attacked, and whatever we break that day is fixed before the boat is put away for the evening. A quick shower then out to dinner, then it starts all over again. Friday had us finish at 2pm, then meet back at 4pm to head out for training…