Changes announced to Sydney to Hobart racing rules
Jul 13th, 2009
The organisers of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Classic boat race have announced a significant change to the entry rules of the prestigious event. Under the new changes, the maximum length of yachts permitted to participate in the annual race has been increased from 98 foot to 100 foot, ABC reported.
While this may seem like a small adjustment, it is anticipated that this will allow at least five super maxi yachts to participate in the 2009 event, with these capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 knots.
As a result, it is expected that the new rules will help to make the yacht race even more exciting and increase the pressure on the crew of Wild Oats XI, which last year set a new record with four back-to-back Sydney to Hobart wins.
One racing expert, Peter Campbell, told ABC that the move will help make the maxi yachts "a little bit bigger, a little bit faster".
"Of course there is no limit on the amount of sail they can carry only the stability to the boat which is of course is a decision by the designer and the owner but it will attract bigger boats and more boats," he added.
The 630 nautical mile Sydney to Hobart race, which starts in Australia on Boxing Day of each year, was founded in 1945.
"I would recommend Dream Marine to others. Everyone was easygoing and helpful. I didn’t mind who I talked to. It was all good. Shame having to come back to London afterwards.
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
Come on Chris… when’s the next one?"
