HOBART TO SYDNEY

NO Sydney to Hobart this year? Simple. Run it backwards. Make 2020 the Hobart to Sydney.

A race run backwards is better now and in future folklore than a race that didn’t run at all, or that was run with ridiculous ( but necessary) COVID restrictions.

Teams and hangers- on could arrive casually into Hobart at their leisure over many weeks before the race, meaning quarantine could be properly managed if necessary.

Hobart would benefit more from the influx of dollars over a longer period than a few hectic days between Christmas and New Year.

The Derwent is as good a place to practise as Sydney Harbour.

Constitution Dock resident boats may have to relocate to Kettering for longer than usual, but this may present opportunities for dollars down that way.

The international merchandising and marketing industry would be maintained, with an opportunity to flog the “the year the race went backwards” concept instead of “the year the race … um … kinda … didn’t happen at all”.

Sydney could more than cope with the trials and tribulations of an influx of yachties at New Year’s.

I’m sure Rolex, Telstra and others would like to see the race proceed, rather than be cancelled.

Hobart will not be geared up to cope with the usual hyper- hectic madness of the days after the finish.

Governments can breathe easier with the publicity risks of lastminute lockdown breaches and fallout from other similar things. Dean Knowles Oakdowns