Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Sport’ Category

The H&R Block Three Peaks Race Wrap

Words by Terry Travers and Kerry Scambler and Photos by Paul Scambler

It’s said that the weather in Tasmania can be all things to all people in just a few days and Easter 2012 certainly proved this adage, just in time for the annual H&R Block Three Peaks Race. This is a non-stop offshore sailing and endurance mountain running event that this year in particular lived up to its sub-title of The Unique Endurance Challenge.

Twelve teams entered (4 catamarans and 8 monohulls) with round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson aboard the mauve Mobile Travel Agents Big Wave Rider cat of renowned sailor Bruce Arms attracting a lot of attention. All were keen to get underway but none would have quite envisaged what the days ahead held.

Underway in the 2012 H&R Block Three Peaks Race

The Calm Before the Storm

At 2pm on Good Friday, with not a breath of wind on the Tamar River and watched by 6,000 people lining the wharf, the twelve teams were forced to row away from the Beauty Point start line, aided only by their own exertions with the oars and an outgoing tide. At this point 2011 winner Peccadillo unveiled its “secret” pedalling system (see photo further down the page) with high aspect propeller blades that moved the big catamaran well but not enough to be first over the line.

A big crowd wave off the Three Peaks Race fleet from Beauty Point, Tasmania

Taking that honour was team Whistler Sport, a Thompson 920 sports boat with two sets of sweep oars. By the time the yachts rowed into a strengthening northerly, Whistler Sport had the jump and was first past the Low Head light and its ominous fog horn farewell.  Fog blanketed Bass Strait, making for some rather ethereal photos, as the yachts made slow progress towards Flinders Island in a light north easterly. But a front was forecast…

Winds Hit the Fleet

Later Friday evening the front swept through the fleet, the wind backed to the west and increased until it was blowing a steady 50 knots with gusts into the mid 60’s – well beyond expectations.  Leader MTA Big Wave Rider reduced sail progressively until they were doing 19 knots under just storm jib. Advantedge destroyed her mainsail, UK Peaks Challenge couldn’t get their main to work to windward and eventually ran through Banks Strait and out to sea, while Whistler Sport sought shelter behind Clarke Island.

MTA Big Wave Rider arrived at Flinders Island first around 2am followed by Deguello Brierley Marine but each took nearly half an hour to tidy up, motor to the wharf and tie up. The small welcoming group on the wharf, hidden behind coats, beanies and scarves and leaning against the gale force winds, was in awe of the team’s efforts in the conditions and even more so when the two runners leapt off the boat, apparently keen for their 65km run to Mt Strzelecki in the dark. Although perhaps hardly surprising at all really – they were probably just happy to be off the rough seas and onto land!

Challenging conditions welcomed the Three Peaks Race teams to Flinders Island

Advantedge struggled in as first monohull and Haphazard, in its 24th race, heart-breakingly ran aground on a nearby sandy spit, fortunately with no crew injuries. Eventually Euphoria Furniture, Peccadillo, Elphinstone Weigh To Go, Centre Euro Wines, Apollonius and Tilt Genesis Fitness all made it safely into port and set their runners to shore.

Haphazard runs aground in the challenging conditions of the Three Peaks Race

With the fleet held by organisers until conditions improved, the teams made the most of the unexpected time to repair damaged equipment and rest after the arduous night’s sailing. Winds then abated from gale strength to strong and the fleet was released, sending them on their way.

Kinder Conditions on the East Coast

Prudent sail selection meant all arrived safely at Coles Bay, most enjoying morning sunshine on the beautiful Hazards and a warm welcome from locals. Runners, feeling far more rested than the previous night’s sailing, were sent on their 35km run.  Advantedge sailed this leg with just a trysail and arranged for an old main to be transported to Coles Bay to meet them – more work for the onboard team whilst the runners enjoyed their jaunt around Freycinet Peninsula!

Runners Chris Wight and John Winsbury from Peccadillo broke the record for the run through Freycinet National Park that has stood since 1997 but unfortunately one runner from Elphinstone Weigh To Go experienced difficulty on Mt Freycinet which resulted in the team’s retirement from the race.

Critical Decisions at the Canal

From Coles Bay, it’s down the coast to Hobart and on this leg, MTA Big Wave Rider almost threw the race away when they elected to take the Denison Canal shortcut. Strong tidal outflow and 20 knot winds blowing out of the canal prevented transit, a delay compounded when they were also forced to wait out the compulsory midnight to 4am bridge closure.

At the first opportunity, the big cat was on its way but only by manhandling it through the canal with crew in the water and lines ashore. Finally they were on their way to Hobart ahead of their opposition: Advantedge, Euphoria Furniture and Peccadillo who elected to sail around Tasman Island. Seas over 4 metres and a 25-30 knot south westerly in Storm Bay prevented these yachts from overtaking MTA Big Wave Rider.

2011 winner Peccadillo unveiled its “secret” pedalling system

The days of hard conditions were beginning to take their toll with the remainder of the fleet who chose the canal either retiring or opting for the 18 hour time penalty and motoring through before resuming sailing.

The Last of the Three Peaks and the Finishing Line

By Monday evening the winning multi-hull team, MTA Big Wave Rider, had received their accolades after the final mountain run, and all other teams had arrived in Hobart and their runners all safely returned from their 33km run to Mt Wellington. Snow, sleet and strong winds had buffeted the runners on this final peak completing the kaleidoscope of conditions that defined the 2012 H&R Block Three Peaks Race.

Jessica Watson and the crew of MTA Big Wave Rider claiming the Three Peaks Race trophy

Although Peccadillo rested in Port Arthur for a few hours and was behind Euphoria Furniture into Hobart, their gun runners retook second in the multi-hull division, a great achievement. Advantedge’s persistence brought them the monohull division trophy. Centre Euro Wines and Apollonius both officially arrived in Hobart with a time penalty to add, but the Apollonius runners did not complete the mountain together, leaving Centre Euro Wines as second placed mono-hull.

Runners tackle Mount Wellington in the final hurdle of the Three Peaks Race

Despite being a tough year, all teams acknowledged the challenge was worth the enormous effort and they are still keen to face it all again in the 2013 Three Peaks Race (the 25th race) which is shaping up to be a full house.

Some of the team from H&R Block, the major sponsors of the Three Peaks Race

Note: Haphazard was re-floated from White Beach on
Saturday evening and sailed back to Beauty Point on Tuesday
with no injury to the crew or damage to the boat.

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Map: Three Peaks Race, Tasmania…

When you talk about Tasmanian champion sports persons, the name David Foster immediately springs to mind, alongside David Boon and Ricky Ponting.  A few weeks ago David Foster was competing at the 2012 Royal Easter Show in Sydney along with his daughter, Janelle, and Stephen his son.

David Foster with daughter Janelle at the 2012 Royal Easter Show in Sydney

David Foster: True Tasmanian Champion

by Roger Findlay

At 55 years of age, David Foster is considered to be a veteran but he’s still up there with the best.  Janelle has made sure of that as she is now his personal trainer.  After losing a cool 90kg, Janelle is now comfortable at 95kg and claims she is stronger than her father!  Ladies, if you’re reading this and you want to lose a few kilos the secret is to get up early, exercise well and eat healthy food.  Janelle and David Foster gave that exact advice for the Australia All Over program on ABC radio.

David Foster Exhibition in Latrobe

The Foster family had their own exhibition rooms alongside the Lucas Hotel in Latrobe before the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame got going.  We visited in 2004 and were lucky enough to witness this magnificent collection of trophies that the true Tasmanian champion had won.  Rolex watches did not look out of place alongside crystal cut goblets, gold plated axe heads and countless 1st prize sashes.

Tasmanian champion wood-chopper David Foster depicted in a woodwork piece

A display of trophies won by champion Tasmanian wood-chopper David Foster

A display in Latrobe in the north west of Tasmania (before the Axeman's Hall of Fame was built)

David Foster has also won world champion titles in wood-chopping

In Sydney, David and Stephen didn’t have enough to win their event but they did finish an honourable second.  A sprightly Janelle (at 95kg) competed with her father in the Jack & Jill event where they were worthy winners.  David put it down to being a vegetarian.  Yes, he eats meat that eats grass!

Tasmanian Champion and his Adoring Public

David Foster was the keynote speaker at the 2012 Reckon AP Conference held in Hobart. The YouTube video shown above was captured by Reckon’s Business Division CEO Gavin Dixon during the Jack and Jill double-saw competition at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney on Monday, 9 April 2012.

Michelle wrote this about David Foster in her article about the Gunns Plains Potato Festival…

When I arrived, champion axeman David Foster was at his charismatic best.  He was judging the potato cooking competitions and having an excellent time sampling all the mashed potato entries.  Some had interesting ingredients added to them, such as horseradish, as well as other sweet and savoury dishes.  David has always been very generous with his time in helping out small communities such as Gunns Plains.

Champion axeman David Foster helps judge (and sample!) the cooked potatoes

Roger Findlay spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

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Map: Latrobe, Tasmania…

Sydney to Hobart: the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

by Laura Roper

I am the youngest ever Tasmanian female skipper to complete the Rolex Sydney to Hobart (in 5 days 3 minutes and 12 seconds and at 22 years of age!).  My name is Laura Roper and I am very happy to claim that title.

Laura Roper takes the helm of Natelle Two in the Sydney to Hobart

Sailing from Hobart

With a delivery crew of three sailors and a very keen aunty we left the Derwent Sailing Squadron in Sandy Bay Hobart on the 14th of December 2011 at 10am.  We waved goodbye and Merry Christmas to all those who had come to see us off.  Everyone that came had done something to help me achieve my dream;  from cooking, sponsorship (MountainView Meadery, The Metz Sandy Bay and Clarence Joint Therapy), aligning me with the A21 Campaign or just believing in me.  They were all there!  With one more lot of kisses, very tight hugs and the biggest smile that had ever crossed my face, we left Hobart.  And on time too!

Cruise Ships, Wildlife and Sunsets

We threw off the mooring lines and headed south down the river.  As I realised what I was about to be a part of, the excitement really set in.  We rounded Tasman Island later that afternoon and as we headed up towards the bottom of Maria Island we were overtaken by the cruise ship that had also left Hobart that day.  As Aunty Ruth contemplated jumping ship for happy hour we settled in for our first night.

A cruise ship departing Hobart overtakes the Natelle Two near Maria Island

The trip up the coast was beautiful but unfortunately not much wind, so the motor was going most of the way.  Between the four of us, we spotted various forms of wildlife:  birds, dolphins, whales and sharks.  We crossed Bass Strait with some lovely sunset views and without a hint of treacherous water in sight.

No treacherous waters in Bass Strait, just a gorgeous sunset vista!

Return to Eden

We pulled into Eden after crossing The Strait for a bit of R&R.  We stayed the afternoon and night and set out at 6am the next morning (Sunday).  As it turned out this was to be the longest day and night of my life!  The wind made 40 knots across the deck that night and I wasn’t really looking at the wave height.  I was too busy trying to keep myself awake and warm;  but I’m sure they were high.  In about 20 hours we had travelled about 50 nautical miles (in other words, not very far).  The next day, the same distance took us 6 hours.

Then the decision was made to head back to Eden.  We had broken the main traveller, lost a halyard and the main halyard had begun to break.  Luckily these were all easily fixed, and I was finally able to sleep for a few hours after being awake for 40.  The rest of the delivery trip was uneventful and we cruised quietly into Sydney on the evening of Wednesday the 19th of December.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge: the Natelle Two crew finally arrives for the start of the race

The Sydney Whirlwind

The following few days were a whirlwind of getting the boat up to scratch, talking to media, seeing friends, safety inspections and catching up on the week of news I had missed.  Then came Boxing Day.  My day started at 5:45am.   Up early to have the final shower I was to have for five days and get myself ready for the media.  That morning I had the 6:30am time slot on live ABC TV, then on to ABC Radio live, Sky Sports News and Fox Sports News.

The final skippers and navigators briefing was at 10am.  This was where we got our final look at the weather systems moving about the coast and what we were to expect in the coming days.  Starting with a NE and turning to a southerly up to 35 knots that evening.  The weather bureau predicted this to last a couple of days and for the wind to then swing back to the north east.  We were also to expect large swell due to the cyclone that was moving through northern Australia.  With a quick good luck wish to Jessica Watson it was back to the boat to get ready.

A21 Campaign

One of the A21 Campaign staff members came to meet me and thank me for my work in helping to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking for the sex trade.  We carried their logo on our main sail as well as the hull of the boat and on our shirts, in the hope of helping young women that are experiencing something that I can’t even begin to comprehend and still struggle to understand.

From the Harbour to The Heads

We set off from the yacht club and the nerves began to set in.  We left early to go out and have a crew meeting in peace and quiet.  This is when we allocated jobs in the case of an emergency, notified the crew of their watches and addressed any questions anyone had.  Soon enough it was 12:30.  The nerves increased along with the number of boats and number of helicopters.

We had done our sail past with our storm sails and informed the committee of how many crew we had.  It wasn’t long before the 10 minute gun went and I don’t really remember much from then until we got out of The Heads.  I know I was shaking for part of it, as I nearly tacked into another boat, which would have spelled a very short end to months of work and years of dreams.  We were the last boat to start but we had 628 nautical miles to catch up and luckily some boats crossed the line too soon, so they were required to turn back and go through the start line again.

The next thing I really remember was rounding the seaward mark outside The Heads and heading for home!  The helicopters continued to buzz overhead and the spectator craft had taken off with the super maxis, so luckily we didn’t have to deal with their white wash too much once outside The Heads.

Thunder, Lightning & Other Challenges

As we headed down the NSW coast we settled in for the first watch of the night.  The change came in sooner than predicted and I wish I had pictures for you of the spectacular cloud that rolled in with the southerly.  I was too busy and it was a bit wet to take photos!  Along with the southerly change came a thunderstorm which gave some spectacular lightning, although being in the middle of the ocean with a big metal pole (the mast) sticking up in the air isn’t the most comforting place to be in the middle of an electrical storm!!

The mast of Natelle Two, causing the youngest Tasmanian female skipper some concern!

For the next two nights not much sleep was had; we found every leak that Natelle Two had plus some.  My brother was severely sea sick and Dad realised he had missed a couple of our scheduled radio contacts.  We were supposed to call in at midnight and listen on a different channel at midday.  Well Dad got them mixed up and in the end the sailing committee whacked us with a 60 minute penalty, even after Dad’s explanation and apology.

Dream Bass Strait Crossing

We had another dream crossing of Bass Strait and I am yet to believe the stories I’ve heard.  As we hit the Tasmanian coast and day began to break, the winds were perfect.  We put up a spinnaker and ran all the way to the bottom of Maria Island doing up to 12 knots as we surfed down the waves.  It was during these days I char-grilled my feet…  I forgot to put sunscreen on them, and would come to regret that when returning to work.  We also learned that water had gotten into the motor, stopping it from starting.  With Dad and Ashley on the job, we all held our breath until it finally spluttered to life.  This was the only real issue we had during the whole race.

On Friday we had lamb roast as we ran down the coast and moved closer to home.  It wasn’t long before Tasman Island was in view once again, and we were only 40 nautical miles from finishing.  The next major land mark was the Iron Pot.  As we approached, we realised we would have a little competition on our way up the river in the form of the yacht Aurora.  After a tacking duel around The Pot, we separated a little and were able to concentrate on our own race.

Welcome landmarks as the crew of Natelle Two round the Iron Pot south of Hobart

The Welcome Sight of Home

It was at this point the spectator craft began to appear.  My other brother Cameron and his girlfriend came to meet us at The Pot to take some photos, along with some other boats that had come to take in the sights.  I even got to wave to Mum from a distance who was standing on the beach.  This was the first real sign of civilisation for nearly five days and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as home came into view.  We had a lovely run up the river until Opossum Bay where we ran out of wind for about an hour.  Luckily we had some friends come out to meet us for a chat, while we finished off Mum’s homemade pies.

A Happy Hero’s Welcome

As the sea breeze came in we put up the spinnaker and headed for the finish line!  Unfortunately Aurora got away from us in the lighter winds and beat us home.  But nothing could detract from doing 11 knots over the finish line under spinnaker.  As we packed up the boat we got instructions on where we would moor in Kings Pier and about doing a sail past next to the Taste Festival.  I cannot even begin to describe the feeling of coming into my home town with everyone stopping their lunch to stand up just to clap and cheer me and my crew coming home.  It was at this point I discovered my smile could get bigger.

Natelle Two arrives home to a huge welcome from the crowds at the Taste Festival

We then headed for our berth with a prime spot next to the main jetty that everyone walks along.  I then saw a sea of red shirts on the backs of everyone that I knew and had supported me through out the past 12 months.  The announcer came over the speaker to welcome us home just as we were tying up and at that point I knew I had finished.  For the first time in my life I was the one being welcomed, not doing the welcoming!  Writing of this moment still gets me excited, with a smile on my face almost as big as the original.  The hugs and kisses ensued and I got to see my family for the first time since I left.  It may have only been two weeks but it felt like forever!

Officially the Youngest Tasmanian Female Skipper

The drinks began to flow and media began to descend, wanting to interview the youngest Tasmanian female skipper to finish the Sydney to Hobart.  Unfortunately they stuck around long enough to snap me being thrown in by my trusty crew.  It wasn’t long until the hype started to die down and I was able to focus on getting home for a shower!

Sydney to Hobart celebrations for the crew of Natelle Two at the finish

Laura Roper was treated to the customary dunking at the finish of the Sydney to Hobart

As the youngest Tasmanian female skipper ever, Laura had a lot of media attention

It was an experience and a half, and I cant wait to go again.  Now that I’m already the youngest Tasmanian female skipper, maybe just as crew next time.  But right now, I am going to enjoy the little things in life… showers, flushing toilets, deodorant and CLEAN undies!

Photo Credits

Laura Roper, Ruth Heather, Val Lamont, Aleisha Duggan, Amberly Ford

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Water Skiers: New World Record

by Mike Fry

At 7.20am this morning, The Eagle towed 145 water skiers into the record books.  They set a new world record for the number of water skiers towed behind a single vessel.

Water skiers towed behind The Eagle in Strahan set a new world record

The Powerful Tasmanian Eagle

This was a picture perfect morning with a clear sky and glassy waters on Macquarie Harbour as The Eagle slowly pushed the throttles forward.  World Heritage Cruises own and operate The Eagle which is the only vessel in Tasmania capable of pulling this amount of water skiers.  Even then they had to fit special propellers to provide enough power to lift the 154 skiers that started off.

The Eagle owned by World Heritage Cruises was modified for the world record attempt

The water skiers settle behind The Eagle in Macquarie Harbour, Strahan, Tasmania

The Eyes of the World: Record Set in Strahan

The water skiers gripped their tows and braced themselves for the ride of their lives.  And they managed to break their own record of 114 skiers set two years ago at Strahan.  There was a mighty cheer as the helicopters buzzed overhead.  Many people around the world were able to watch the water skiers breaking the record live by logging on to Strahan’s live webcam.

Water skiers waiting to set the new world record, in the pristine Strahan environment

On the west coast of Tasmania, in pristine conditions, a new world record was set

145 Water Skiers: A Day on the West Coast

After one nautical mile 145 water skiers were still standing and a new world record was created.  Today, in the early morning, on a pristine day on the west coast of Tasmania.

Mike Fry is the owner of Ormiston House bed and breakfast
accommodation in Strahan Tasmania

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Map: Water Skiers World Record, Strahan Tasmania…

The Moorilla?  That’s the term locals use to describe the WTA tennis tournament officially known as the Hobart International.  The writer was very lucky to be given a front-row view of the action from the Tennis Tasmania corporate box.  And of course I wanted to share the experience with you.

Shahar Peer in quarter final action at the Moorilla Hobart International 2012

The Moorilla: International Tennis in Hobart

In between a nice meal and a few drinks, and despite the exciting tennis, I managed to take way too many photos.  (Now there’s a shock!)  So I’ve selected some of the best ones and compiled a video for Think Tasmania’s YouTube Channel.

You don’t have to be invited by Tennis Tasmania to have a great time at the Moorilla.  In the new stadium, all the seats have a close-up view of the action.  We went to the Quarter Finals night session, but if you go earlier in the week, a ticket gives you access to the entire Queens Domain tennis centre.  You can choose between matches on all three tournament courts.  Refreshments are available for purchase, and there’s plenty of space to relax on the lawns between play.

What’s so Good About the Moorilla?

If you love tennis, or even just watching elite athletes at work, the Moorilla provides a fabulous opportunity.  Some of the highlights for me include…

• the standard of players: it’s not unusual for former
  top 10 players to come to Hobart on the comeback trail
• Aussie hopefuls: local favourites give the crowd
  something extra to cheer for
• future champions: the Moorilla has played host to
  stars that have gone on to conquer the tour
• close encounters: the relaxed atmosphere gives
  patrons a chance to mingle with their idols

The Moorilla Hobart International 2012: Tournament Facts

21-year-old German Mona Barthel defeated top seed Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium 6-1 6-2 in the final played on Saturday 14th January.  Mona had to win eight matches to take the title after playing through qualifying.  On her way to victory in the WTA tournament, she had to overcome second seed, Spanish player Anabel Medina Garrigues.  She also put the defending champion, Australian fifth seed, Jarmila Gajdosova out of contention.

The winner was dubbed “Mona Foma” Barthel following her win, which would have no doubt pleased the sponsors!

Umpires ready, ballkids ready, players ready... play! At the Moorilla

Monica Niculescu and Irina-Camelia Begu (both from Romania) claimed the doubles title in a third set super tie-break against Chia-Jung Chuang (China) and Marina Erakovic (Croatia).  This was the first WTA doubles title for Irina-Camelia Begu and she was understandably pleased with the result.  She and her coach even jokingly gave credit to some of the local kids who had joined her on the practice court and remained loyal supporters.

Irina-Camelia Begu hits up with some lucky Tennis Tasmania squad players

I cannot speak highly enough of the Moorilla Hobart International.  Anyone living in Tasmania with an interest in tennis should mark their calendar for next year.  Tickets are affordable, access is easy, the tennis is top-quality… why wouldn’t you go?

Visit the official website for more about the Moorilla Hobart International

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Map: The Moorilla Hobart International…

King of the Derwent now?  You probably thought the only article we would publish about sailing would be the annual Sydney to Hobart recount.  That would normally be true; we are certainly no sailing experts here at Think Tasmania.  But when you see Wild Oats XI powering down the Derwent River, you take notice.  And some of us also take photos… and video, even!!

King of the Derwent: Sailing in Hobart

Each year on January 2nd, while patrons are still enjoying the Taste Festival at Princes Wharf, the Derwent Sailing Squadron conduct the King of the Derwent, an iconic event on the Tasmanian sporting calendar.  The aim is to attract some of the yachts arriving in Hobart from the races started in Launceston, Melbourne and of course, Sydney.

Wild Oats XI puts on an impressive display in the King of the Derwent

The King of the Derwent has been staged since 1978, but everyone in the local sailing fraternity was excited to have Wild Oats XI enter in 2012.  Having won line honours in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race five times, the current race record holder is a legend of Australian yachting.

Skipper: Wild Oats XI

Mark Richards, the boat’s ocean-racing skipper, was still in Hobart following the Rolex Sydney Hobart event, but it was Bob Oatley in charge this time.  The 83-year-old owner was at the helm for the 14 nautical miles of the King of the Derwent.  Another 50 yachts entered the race, with many more spectator craft accompanying the super maxi as it surged around the course.  The crowd on the headland also enjoyed the display.

Sailing in Hobart on the 2nd of January: Wild Oats XI in the King of the Derwent

And as you might expect, against boats less than half her size, Wild Oats XI dominated the race.  The professional crew completed the course in just 1 hour and 9 minutes.  And while it was definitely an awesome display to watch, the super-maxi actually finished last on corrected time!!

Investec Loyal, another 100-footer, took line honours in both the King of the Derwent and the Sydney to Hobart in 2011.  Maybe Bob Oatley and Mark Richards are looking to replicate that double in 2012.

For more information about the King of the Derwent
visit the Derwent Sailing Squadron website.

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Map: King of the Derwent, Hobart Tasmania…

Super maxi Investec Loyal has taken line honours in the 2011 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.  But not without a fight.  Firstly, they had to hold off a strong challenge from pre-race favourite Wild Oats XI.  And then their victory dance was put on hold due to a protest by the Sydney to Hobart race committee.

Investec Loyal is inspected by crowds after the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race

Investec Loyal v Wild Oats XI

Having taken Sydney to Hobart line honours on five previous occasions, Wild Oats XI was the boat to beat this year.  And that’s exactly what Investec Loyal managed to do, by the smallest of margins.  After a see-sawing duel down the east coast of southern Australia, across Bass Strait and continuing down the east coast of Tasmania, the winning margin was just three minutes.  And eight seconds, to be precise.

Investec Loyal inches in front of Wild Oats XI in the Derwent River, Hobart

It’s hard to imagine a race sailed over 600 nautical miles could still be up for grabs at the end.  But the crowds lining the Hobart waterfront and elsewhere along the Derwent River, were treated to a thrilling conclusion.  There was a hive of activity on the river and in the air, as boats, helicopters and the local sea plane escorted both super maxi yachts to the finish line.

Supporters surround Investec Loyal as she approaches the Hobart finish line

Rolex Sydney Hobart Protest

The support team of Investec Loyal, waiting on tenterhooks in Hobart for the arrival of the crew, would probably have liked the margin to be a bit larger.  And just when they thought they’d won; when the champagne corks were popped; news of a protest started to filter through.

Investec Loyal had a large contingent of supporters in Hobart

Apparently on day two, Investec Loyal tactician Michael Coxon asked an ABC helicopter crew to confirm which sails were being used by Wild Oats XI.  Receiving outside assistance while the race is underway is against the rules and can be cause for disqualification.

But after a marathon, three-hour hearing before an international jury it was all deemed legal.  It turns out that Michel Coxon (as his day job) makes sails, and that his racing competitor was using his custom designed mainsail.  The jury believed his argument that his query was purely related to professional business, and not an attempt to cheat.

Rolex Sydney Hobart flags, including the line honours flag awarded to Investec Loyal

Celebrity Crew: Loyal Foundation

Anthony Bell, skipper of Investec Loyal, was finally free to celebrate with the rest of his crew.  That crew, besides 16 professionals, included a celebrity contingent…  Karl Stefanovic, Kurt Fearnley, Anthony Minichiello, Phil Kearns and Phil Waugh.  The reason for inviting novice sailors on such a demanding challenge?  To raise the profile of the Loyal Foundation, which aims to give a million dollars each year to charity.  Got to admire that, even if you’re not interested in the multi-million dollar boats.

Anthony Bell's super maxi yacht, raising money for the Loyal Foundation