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After the massive disappointment of last year’s cancellation of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race the 77th Edition of the race looks like it will likely proceed albeit with a backdrop of Covid enforced requirements which in turn has affected all of the 100 odd yachts preparation in the lead up to the Great Race.
Unfortunately, the year-long Covid uncertainty has yet again delayed the long-awaited Hobart Race debut of our illustrious Editor who has been slated to join the team on the Schumacher 54 Maritimo (ex Swiftsure II). Hopefully, next year will see this anticipated ‘Great Moment in Sporting History’ eventuate.
Maritimo’s year-long preparation has probably been less impacted than our Sydney-based rivals due to the very limited lockdowns in our Gold Coast base. Our lead-up has been solid with basically a clean sweep of all Queensland events this year including Line Honours in the Brisbane-Gladstone Race courtesy of the 100 foot Black Jack dropping its rig. The bar is certainly set higher here.
The majority of the crew sailed the boat 400 nm to Sydney last weekend. Traditionally the lead-up week berthed at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is spent catching up and having a few beverages with mates you haven’t seen all year, briefings, and final race preparation. This year we are either on the boat or in the Hotel rooms essentially isolating with all meals delivered. Home detention without the ankle bracelet.
All crews must be fully vaccinated as well as provide a Negative PCR Covid Test within 72 Hours of the race start. That window opened at 1300 hrs yesterday. The Omicron variant has seen Sydney’s public testing resources fully stretched with results in some cases taking over 72 hours. Hopefully, that won’t affect too many of our fellow competitors. That said, it will be a miracle if there isn’t some last-minute Covid impact on the fleet numbers. Despite some criticism and negativity from some quarters, I believe the CYCA has done an absolutely fantastic and totally professional job in very challenging and changing conditions…
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